Thailand’s Tourism Industry Is Closing In on Pre-Pandemic Heights

by Mia Taylor
Last updated: 2:55 PM ET, Tue September 3, 2024

Thailand’s post-pandemic recovery continues to gain steam.

The country is expected to welcome about 36 million visitors by the end of 2024 and those visitors will generate about $53 billion in income for the southeast Asian nation.

All of which means the country is officially nearing the record-breaking levels of visitation that it experienced in 2019, according to Azernews. About 39.7 million foreign visitors arrived in the country in 2019.

The 2024 figures also represent significant progress from 2023, when about 28 million foreign visitors arrived in Thailand, generating about $35 billion for the country.

The tourism industry recovery in Thailand is being buoyed by the country’s introduction of a 60-day visa-free program for citizens from 93 countries, according to Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) head Trapani Kiatphaibun.

In addition, air traffic to Thailand has returned to 82 percent of its 2019 levels, which has made the country more accessible, Kiatphaibun said, further supporting the travel industry rebound.

Even though there are many positive developments for Thailand’s tourism industry, local tourism officials are not confident the country will meet initial projections for 2024. Early forecasts for the year included the country welcoming 40 million foreign visitors and generating income of about $68 billion.

To help facilitate further recovery, Thailand’s tourism industry leaders are expected to continue focusing on enhancing the country’s tourism appeal, while also ensuring safety and accessibility.

In June, for instance, Thailand's government approved a new tax break for companies organizing local conventions and seminars to boost domestic tourism during the country’s low tourism season. The tax deductions are also available for those booking homestay and non-hotel accommodations.