Thailand’s excellence in contributing to the travel industry did not go unnoticed by industry professionals as the Kingdom was voted the ’Best Destination – Asia Pacific’ in the Travel Weekly Asia Readers’ Choice Awards 2023, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) said in a press release issued to mark the victory.
The award marks the second time Thailand has claimed this title, with its first victory in 2018. This award adds to Thailand’s growing list of prestigious accolades that it has garnered over the years, the TAT noted in a press release.
“The TAT and on behalf of Thailand’s tourism industry is honoured to have yet again earned the confidence among the industry professionals who voted for Thailand. This is testament to the tireless efforts and commitment of the TAT to work together with stakeholders, suppliers, and partners to create and deliver the best possible travel experience for visitors from around the world,” said Kulpramote Wannalert, the Director of the TAT’s office in Singapore.
In addition to TAT’s recognition, two notable hotels in Bangkok also earned well-deserved accolades among the 35 award-winning organisations. The Capella Bangkok was named the ’Best Luxury Hotel – Asia Pacific,’ while the Holiday Inn Bangkok received the title of ’Best Midscale Hotel – Asia Pacific.’
The winners of the Travel Weekly Asia Readers’ Choice Awards 2023 were selected through votes by industry professionals, cast between June 8 and July 28 this year.
These awards celebrate travel operators and suppliers who have consistently demonstrated innovation, professionalism, and excellence in their respective areas of expertise, the TAT said.
According to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, foreign arrivals to Thailand from Jan 1 through Oct 8 this year this year reached 20,55 million visitors, generating revenues totalling about B861.8 billion, reports ThaiPBS.
Yet the beginning of October was below expectations due to strong negative factors such as the Siam Paragon shooting in Bangkok and the beginning of the new Israeli-Palestinian war.
Chinese arrivals for the week from Oct 2 through Oct 8 dropped to 75,093 from 106,472 a week earlier. Arrivals from other markets dropped to 443,513 from 497,966.
Tour business leaders are now urging the government to extend visa exemption to Indian tourists, in addition to those from China and Kazakhstan to ensure Thailand meet the target of 25-30 million foreign arrivals in 2023.
Meanwhile, the TAT remains upbeat expecting 4-4.4mn Chinese tourists out of the aforementioned 25-30mn overall this year. Tourism revenue is forecast at B2.38 trillion.
In 2019, Thailand welcomed around 11mn Chinese tourists out of 39.8mn overal. This year’s expected 4.4mn will reporesent only 40% of the pre-pandemic level.
In Phuket, tourists from China are expected to rank second, inferior only to Russians. The local office of the TAT has not made in statements regarding the expected numbers of Chinese visitors after the Siam Paragon shooting.