GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Thailand Tourism Statistics: Market Report & Data

Highlights: Thailand Tourism Statistics

  • In 2020, Thailand received only 6.7 million international tourists due to the pandemic, a significant drop from 39.8 million in 2019.
  • According to the World Bank, tourism contributes about 20% of Thailand's GDP.
  • Thailand is the most visited country in Southeast Asia in 2019.
  • In 2018, almost 35% of tourists came to Thailand for vacation purposes.
  • Chiang Mai was visited by 10.2 million tourists in 2018.
  • In 2018, the tourism and travel industry's total contribution to Thailand’s employment was 21.4%.
  • People from East Asia accounted for the most significant percentage of tourists to Thailand in 2018, totaling 84%.
  • The average length of stay of tourists in Thailand in 2019 was 9.71 days.
  • Tourists spent an average of 48,000 Thai Baht per person per trip in Thailand in 2017.
  • China is the largest source of tourists to Thailand, constituting 27.6% of all tourists in 2018.
  • In 2018, 31.5% of Thailand’s international tourists were aged between 30-39 years.
  • About 58.2% of international tourists to Thailand were repeat visitors in 2018.
  • Around 54% of tourists to Thailand were men in 2018.
  • Visitor exports generated 1.03 trillion Thai Baht ($33.9 billion) in Thailand in 2017.
  • Thailand earned 1.9 trillion Thai Baht ($59.6 billion) from international tourism in 2019.
  • The number of domestic tourists in Thailand reached about 167.9 million in 2018.
  • Domestic tourists in Thailand spent an average of 3,037 Thai Baht per person per trip in 2017.
  • In 2019, leisure travel spending in Thailand contributed about 689.8 billion Thai Baht to GDP.
  • Pattaya was ranked the world's 15th most visited city, with 9.44 million visitors in 2017.

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Welcome to our latest analysis on Thailand tourism statistics. Well revered as a treasured gem in the world’s touring landscape, Thailand offers a mecca of rich cultural experiences, breath-taking landscapes, and vibrant city life. But what do the numbers say about its tourism industry? In this blog post, we delve into the most current statistics and dissect the trends, economic impact, and tourist demographics of Thailand’s flourishing tourism sector. We explore the influence of international tourism on Thailand’s economy and how it has adapted to the changing global climate. Buckle up for a tour among interesting figures and facts in the kingdom of smiles.

The Latest Thailand Tourism Statistics Unveiled

In 2020, Thailand received only 6.7 million international tourists due to the pandemic, a significant drop from 39.8 million in 2019.

Illuminating the state of Thailand’s tourism industry amidst the pandemic, this severe contraction from nearly 40 million international tourists in 2019 to a mere 6.7 million in 2020 underscores the immense impact of global health crises on tourism-dependent economies. This data holds gravity as it details not just a percentage decrease, but a dramatic numeric dip, painting a stark picture of COVID-19’s disruptive effect on Thailand’s tourism sector, which is crucial for their economy. It further provides a baseline for subsequent recovery analysis, thus being an essential facet to any comprehensive conversation on the state, challenges, and future trajectories of Thailand’s tourism industry.

According to the World Bank, tourism contributes about 20% of Thailand’s GDP.

Highlighting that tourism contributes to 20% of Thailand’s GDP, a fact underlined by the World Bank, speaks volumes about the pivotal role the sector plays in the Asian nation’s economy. The figures unfurl a powerful narrative of how tourism propels Thailand’s economic growth forward, creating job opportunities and boosting local businesses at an impressive scale. Within the scope of a blog post delving into Thailand’s tourism statistics, this figure is an insightful benchmark that allows readers to comprehend and appreciate the massive significance of tourism in shaping and driving the country’s economy.

Thailand is the most visited country in Southeast Asia in 2019.

The breathtaking reveal that Thailand claimed the title of the most visited country in Southeast Asia in 2019 offers an exciting indication of its prominence on the global tourism stage. Within the landscape of Thailand’s thriving tourism industry, this substantial statistic serves as a testament to the country’s magnetic allure and cultural richness. It underlines the international recognition of Thailand as a must-see destination, painting a compelling picture of the countless travelers drawn to its vibrant cities, serene beaches and the warmth of the Thai people. The sheer magnetism of Thailand, reflected in this statistical triumph, adds depth and vibrant hues to our understanding of Thailand’s musical symphony of tourism trends and patterns.

In 2018, almost 35% of tourists came to Thailand for vacation purposes.

Highlighting that nearly 35% of tourists visited Thailand for leisure in 2018 paints a captivating picture of Thailand’s appeal as a holiday destination. This figure not only underscores the magnetic allure of Thailand’s diverse tourism offerings – from its sun-soaked beaches to rich cultural heritage – but also brings to light the role of vacation tourists as a significant contributor to the growth of the country’s tourism sector. Drawing on this data, the Thailand tourism industry can tailor its services to better serve these holidaymakers, thus driving revenue and solidifying Thailand’s position on the world tourism map.

Chiang Mai was visited by 10.2 million tourists in 2018.

Highlighting the fact that Chiang Mai attracted a whopping 10.2 million tourists in 2018 paints an impressive canvas of Thailand’s thriving tourism industry. The sheer magnitude of this number underscores Chiang Mai’s strategic importance, being a prominent force driving Thailand’s tourism sector. This figure, thus serves as a critical barometer of both, Chiang Mai’s magnetic charm drawing in international visitors and the larger success of Thailand’s focused efforts in promoting itself as a globally coveted tourist destination. Undeniably, this statistic provides crucial insights into evaluating the degree of Thailand’s international allure in the context of world tourism.

In 2018, the tourism and travel industry’s total contribution to Thailand’s employment was 21.4%.

The captivating statistic that ‘In 2018, the tourism and travel industry’s total contribution to Thailand’s employment was 21.4%,’ weaves an enticing tale of the economic significance of tourism in Thailand’s tapestry. In the idyllic backdrop of Thailand’s bustling tourism sector, this figure underpins the narrative of how tourism isn’t simply an economic afterthought but a robust engine of employment. The story it tells is one where every fifth person in the workforce owes their livelihood to the streams of tourists populating the sun-kissed beaches, historic temples, and vibrant markets. Thus, when envisioning the contours of Thailand’s tourism industry, this statistic serves as the cornerstone, highlighting the profound interconnection between tourism and the social and economic fabric of the nation.

People from East Asia accounted for the most significant percentage of tourists to Thailand in 2018, totaling 84%.

In bridging the gap between numbers and knowledge, the reported 84% of tourists to Thailand being from East Asia in 2018 provides critical insights into global travel and tourism patterns. This substantial share not only underlines the cultural or geographical affinity that could be driving tourism from the East Asian region but also emphasizes the area as a dominant source of international visitors for Thailand. The information can shape the strategic direction of stakeholders in Thailand’s tourism industry, as they can tailor offers and services to the preferences of East Asian tourists, potentially fostering tourism growth and economic gains.

The average length of stay of tourists in Thailand in 2019 was 9.71 days.

The vitality of the figure ‘9.71 days,’ presenting the average length of stay of tourists in Thailand in 2019, cannot be underestimated in a discourse surrounding Thailand Tourism Statistics. Discerning these numbers paves the way for a nuanced understanding of tourist behavior, as a longer average stay usually indicates a high level of tourist satisfaction and allure of the destination. This factor also directly correlates to tourism revenue, as longer stays tend to translate to more spending on accommodations, food, and local attractions. Therefore, such statistical data is crucial in assessing the health of Thailand’s tourism industry, informing strategic planning and policy-making to sustain and enhance the sector’s growth.

Tourists spent an average of 48,000 Thai Baht per person per trip in Thailand in 2017.

Unveiling the financial prowess of visitors, the average expenditure of 48,000 Thai Baht per person per trip in 2017 serves as a significant financial barometer gauging the allure of Thailand’s tourism industry. It not merely quantifies the average financial dedication per tourist visit but also offers an insightful look into the profitability and appeal of the sector for investors. In essence, this figure underpins the financial facet of the tourism landscape, potentially influencing tourism strategy, infrastructure funding, and marketing efforts aimed at optimizing visitor spending, further contributing to Thailand’s economic robustness.

China is the largest source of tourists to Thailand, constituting 27.6% of all tourists in 2018.

In the universe of Thailand’s tourism, the statistic that highlights China as constituting 27.6% of all tourists in 2018 presents a compelling narrative. It serves as an insightful beacon, amplifying how intertwined the two countries’ tourism sectors are in a dance of global dynamics. Picture this: More than a quarter of all voyagers stepping foot on Thailand’s shimmering sandy beaches or meandering through its rich cultural landscapes are Chinese. Understanding this demographical prominence can help shape strategies for businesses, policymakers, and marketers alike to tap into this robust market segment, tailoring services to cater to Chinese travelers, thus potentially boosting Thailand’s tourism revenue significantly. Creating a more welcoming environment for this audience might, in turn, paint a more vibrant picture for the Thai tourism industry moving forward.

In 2018, 31.5% of Thailand’s international tourists were aged between 30-39 years.

The canvass of Thailand tourism showcases a vibrant hue with 31.5% of international visitors in 2018 falling into the 30-39 age bracket. It’s a poignant indicator of the dynamic appeal of the country to relatively young, potentially adventurous travelers, suggesting that its eclectic mix of cultural charms, historical treasures, majestic landscapes, and modern thrills resonates strongly with this demographic. This statistic underpins discussions on market targeting, tourism product development, promotional strategies, and sustainability initiatives related to Thailand’s tourism industry within the blog post, providing significant value and context for readers.

About 58.2% of international tourists to Thailand were repeat visitors in 2018.

In delving into Thailand’s tourism statistics, one cannot overlook the striking figure: a whopping 58.2% of international tourists in 2018 were not first-time visitors but seasoned travelers returning to this Southeast Asian gem. This figure serves as a compelling testament to the allure of Thailand, indicating that the country’s unique blend of breathtaking landscapes, captivating culture, and inviting hospitality often coax visitors into coming back. By highlighting visitors’ propensity to revisit, it underscores the country’s success in creating compelling and satisfying tourist experiences that serve to bolster its reputation as a prime international vacation destination. This 58.2% is more than a number, it’s a narrative of Thailand’s undeniable magnetism.

Around 54% of tourists to Thailand were men in 2018.

Delving into the gender demographics of Thailand’s tourism in 2018 underscores an intriguing trend – around 54% of the tourists were men. This observation isn’t a mere numerical fact, but a stepping stone to understand the reasons behind this male-dominance in the tourist population. It invites further investigation into aspects like tourist attractions preferred by men, specific activities enjoyed more by males or maybe the safety conditions that might be attracting this gender distribution. This information could assist travel agencies and tour operators in tailoring their offering towards the male audience’s preferences, hence refining their strategies for male-oriented marketing and better service design in Thailand.

Visitor exports generated 1.03 trillion Thai Baht ($33.9 billion) in Thailand in 2017.

Illuminating Thailand’s allure as a top-tourist destination, a staggering 1.03 trillion Thai Baht ($33.9 billion) was raked in through visitor exports in 2017. This striking figure is a testament to the country’s thriving tourism sector, painting a vivid picture of its sheer economic significance. Not only does it underline the considerable global interest in Thailand’s rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes, but it also underscores tourism’s significant contribution to the national economy, fueling socio-economic growth, generating employment, and enhancing local livelihoods.

Thailand earned 1.9 trillion Thai Baht ($59.6 billion) from international tourism in 2019.

Unveiling the colossal financial gain of 1.9 trillion Thai Baht ($59.6 billion) from international tourism in 2019, allows us to fully comprehend the enormous economic contribution tourism has brought to Thailand. This captivating figure paints a narrative of Thailand’s global allure, underlining its magnetic status as one of the world’s favored travel destinations. In the grand canvas of Thailand’s tourism statistics, this number not only underscores the thriving vitality of its travel industry but also reflects the international recognition of its cultural and natural offerings which continue to captivate and attract globetrotters.

The number of domestic tourists in Thailand reached about 167.9 million in 2018.

In a blog post detailing the landscape of Thailand’s tourism, the striking figure of approximately 167.9 million domestic tourists recorded in 2018 provides intriguing insight. This statistic not only highlights the robust health of the internal tourism industry, but it also serves as an indicator of the popularity of Thailand’s attractions among its own populace. The surge in domestic tourism underlines the viability and attractiveness of Thailand’s tourism amenities, which potentially signals a compelling invitation to international tourists. Therefore, this numerical evidence bears significance in understanding both the domestic appreciation and the global potentiality of Thailand’s tourism industry.

Domestic tourists in Thailand spent an average of 3,037 Thai Baht per person per trip in 2017.

Lifting the veil to reveal a striking numeric tale of Thailand’s tourism industry, the data points out that domestic tourists lavished an average of 3,037 Thai Baht per person per trip in 2017. This formidable figure is a reflection of the robustness of Thailand’s internal tourism market, providing a mirror into the spending habits of the local population while travelling. Its implications span across economic growth, as well as development of local businesses and services. By contributing to the circulatory flow of money within the nation, domestic tourists reiterate the vitality of their role as an internal engine boosting the tourism industry.

In 2019, leisure travel spending in Thailand contributed about 689.8 billion Thai Baht to GDP.

The impressive sum of 689.8 billion Thai Baht, pumped into Thailand’s GDP by leisure travel in 2019, poses as a dazzling testament to the magnetism of Thailand’s striking landscapes, vivacious cities, and vibrant culture. This results in a significant inflow of tourist revenue, serving as a strong economic propellant and forming an integral part of the country’s financial health. In a blog post dissecting Thailand Tourism Statistics, this fact beautifully underscores the colossal economic significance of tourism in Thailand and its role in buoying the national GDP, thereby portraying the breadth and depth of the country’s appeal to global tourists.

Pattaya was ranked the world’s 15th most visited city, with 9.44 million visitors in 2017.

Highlighting Pattaya’s placement as the 15th most visited city globally, with a whopping 9.44 million visitors in 2017, underpins its significance in positioning Thailand within international tourism frameworks. This soaring tourist interest clearly reflects the magnetic allure of Pattaya, amplifying Thailand’s overall appeal as a prominent global tourist destination. Hence, this statistic not only validates the robust growth and influence of Thailand’s tourism sector but also sets a benchmark encouraging other Thai cities to follow suit in championing global tourism.

Conclusion

In sum, Thailand’s tourism industry is a significant contributor to the nation’s economy and continues to show robust growth. The diversity of the nation’s attractions, ranging from vibrant cities to serene beaches and historical landmarks, continues to draw a massive audience from both the regional and international markets. While international tourism is dynamic and subject to factors such as economic conditions and global events, the consistent growth trend in tourism-related revenue underscores the resilience and the enduring appeal of Thailand as a preferred tourism destination. The country’s strategic initiatives, aimed at attracting a greater number of tourists and diversifying the tourism base, promises to further boost the industry’s performance in the coming years.

References

0. – https://www.www.statista.com

1. – https://www.www.tradingeconomics.com

2. – https://www.www.travelpulse.com

3. – https://www.www.bangkokpost.com

4. – https://www.chiangmaicitylife.com

5. – https://www.www.worldbank.org

6. – https://www.en.wikipedia.org

7. – https://www.www.tatnews.org

FAQs

How many tourists visit Thailand each year?

The number of tourists varies each year and has been impacted by events such as the COVID-19 pandemic; however, prior to the pandemic, in 2019, Thailand saw a record 39.8 million tourists.

Where do the majority of tourists to Thailand originate from?

The majority of tourists to Thailand come from China, followed by Malaysia, India, Korea, and Laos.

How much revenue does tourism generate for Thailand annually?

In 2019, tourism-generated revenue was estimated at around 1.93 trillion baht (approximately USD 61.6 billion).

What percentage of Thailand's GDP is contributed by tourism?

As of 2019, tourism comprised approximately 11.4% of Thailand's GDP.

What are the most visited destinations in Thailand by tourists?

Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai are the top three most visited destinations in Thailand by tourists.

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

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