The figures show that Thailand recorded increases in both quality and quantity of visitor arrivals. The growth in total number of visitors is being matched by increased average length of stay and average daily expenditure, further underscoring the role of tourism as one of the most important economic sectors and contributor to job creation and nationwide income distribution.
According to the Ministry, Thailand had 19.23 million international visitors in 2011, up by 20.67 per cent over 2010. With an average length of stay of 9.64 days, and an average daily spend of B4,187.12 (US$137) per person, the tourism industry generated B776 billion in earnings.
By regions, East Asia (+39.40 per cent) recorded the largest increase in receipts in 2011
In terms of expenditure, the top five nationalities were Russians, Chinese, Australians, Malaysians, and Britons.