The 21-day long festival from April 1-21 generated B140.335bn in revenue, above the projected figure of B132bn, Tourism and Sports Minister Sudawan Wangsupakitkosol said on Wednesday.
The figures were compiled by the ministry’s economics tourism and sports division, reports the Bangkok Post.
The accommodation sector benefited from B42.06bn, food and beverage B33.06bn, merchandise and souvenirs B26.83bn, travel B15.50bn, entertainment B14.75bn, tourism services B5.86bn and other outlays B2.23bn, Ms Sudawan said.
The atmosphere during the festival was lively with activities held across the country enjoyed by foreign tourists and the many Thais who also travelled and celebrated Songkran.
During the 21 days, a total of 1,926,443 foreign tourists visited the country, an increase of 37.54% on the same period last year, the minister said.
Ms Sudawan attributed the increase in foreign arrivals to the government’s measures to make travel easier, such as visa waivers and the cancellation of TM6 immigration forms, and the holding of major activities to celebrate the festival.
The surge in foreign travellers came from both nearby and distant markets, the tourism minister said.
The 10 countries providing the most tourists were:
- China 395,830 (+89.16% from last year)
- Malaysia 298,263 (+41.62%)
- India 114,330 (+27.53%)
- Russia 104,538 (+19.61%)
- South Korea 84,539 (+36.02%)
- Laos 66,396 (+43.59%)
- United Kingdom 60,495 (+11.31%)
- Taiwan 60,153 (+58.74%)
- United States 56,068 (+10.43%)
- Indonesia 55,969 (+64.52%).
Ms Sudawan said a total of 13,897,988 Thais travelled, generating B50.12bn. From April 12-16 alone, the major period of the festival, 461,509 foreign tourists visited the country, generating B21.54bn, while 4,337,848 Thai tourists generated B16.48bn ‒ about B38bn in total.
“The Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2024, held at Sanam Luang, was a grand success, drawing huge crowds of people. This event featured the stunning background of the majestic Grand Palace and was showcased globally. This was a magnet for foreign tourists," the tourism minister said.