Thailand sees visitor growth

Thailand has seen a rise in tourist arrivals during 2010 as the country remains a popular destination.According to the Daily Mail, nearly 14 million people visited Thailand in the first 11 months of the year and this could increase to 15.8 million by the end of 2010.

This is 12.6 per cent more than in 2009 despite the worldwide economic slowdown and political unrest in some parts of the country in April and May.

Those taking flights to the region also helped to boost Thailand’s tourism income, with the Asian country generating a total of AU$19.1 billion in the year as visitors spent on local attractions and accommodation.

In particular, Thailand experienced a rise in visitors from India and the Middle East, with the country’s tourism board keen to target new emerging holiday markets in China, Indonesia, Brazil and Argentina.

Meanwhile, Thai Airways has confirmed it plans to introduce direct flights to Guwahati in India during 2011.

Written by Ruth Norris