TAT forecasts record level of arrivals from India

Despite the recent crash of an Air India aircraft, Indian arrivals remain robust against the sluggish short-haul markets trend, as the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) anticipates a record level of 2.4 million arrivals from the market this year.

- MOLPASORN SHOOWONG

The agency also reported that several airlines are planning to join the 750-million-baht flight stimulus programme that will soon be launched.

Patsee Permvongsenee, executive director of the Asean, South Asia and South Pacific region at TAT, said Thailand remains a favourite destination for Indian tourists as it takes only 4-5 hours to reach the country by air, while the visa-free scheme is also convenient for planning their trips.

As of July 13, 1.26 million Indian tourists had visited Thailand, becoming the third largest inbound market following Malaysia and China, which recorded 2.45 million and 2.43 million arrivals, respectively.

Mrs Patsee said the potential segments include young millennials, wedding groups and business groups travelling via incentive programmes.