TAT aims for record arrivals from Oceania

THE TOURISM AUTHORITY OF Thailand (TAT) is placing a greater emphasis on high potential short-haul markets to diversify risk away from the sluggish Chinese market, with the aim of reaching a new high of 950,000 tourist arrivals from the Oceania market, which includes Australia.

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The agency is also monitoring challenges relating to Australia's sluggish economic growth, which could impact the spending of Australian tourists visiting Thailand.

Pattaraanong Na Chiangmai, TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing Asia and the South Pacific, said since the forecast for Chinese arrivals has been revised down to 6.9 million from 8mn earlier, the agency is ramping up other markets showing strong growth potential.

According to the TAT, during the first four months this year, Australian arrivals grew by 16% year-on-year to 273,961.