BANGKOK, Dec 5 (TNA) — The chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce expects more tourist arrivals from southern China and southern Japan and believes about 40 million tourists will visit Thailand next year.
Kalin Sarasin said that the number of visitors would slightly rise from 37-38 million this year as the number of Chinese visitors was picking up from its recent decline.
Chinese tourists were returning and they were quality visitors spending up to 50,000 baht each, he said. He estimated that 8-10 million Chinese people would visit Thailand each year.
The chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce attributed the return of Chinese tourists to Thai authorities’ solutions and Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak’s recent visits to China. Chinese tour services found new destinations in Thailand and more tourists from southern China and southern Japan would arrive, Mr Kalin said.
He also quoted the Phuket Chamber of Commerce as reporting that more foreign tourists were visiting Phuket and spending more.
Mr Kalin said that tourism depended mainly on peace in the country and all concerned parties should cooperate to guarantee peace next year. (TNA)
