Thailand tipped for major tourism revival

Arrivals forecast to hit 39 million in 2026

- MOLPASORN SHOOWONG

The Association of Thai Travel Agents (Atta) expects 39 million foreign arrivals next year, including 9 million Chinese tourists, while announcing its readiness to help stimulate 3 billion baht via its trade show in January.

The "Thailand Tourism and Mice Next 2026" is scheduled for Jan 23, with 1,200-1,500 participants from Thailand and overseas, and is expected to generate at least 3 billion baht in revenue.

Atta president Thanapol Cheewarattana-porn said the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau, and other partners put up half of the 10-million-baht budget to host the event.

Of the 300 overseas buyers, he said most of them are from Asia, including 100 from China. TAT organised familiarisation trips for these buyers to explore new products in Thailand.