Thailand: Agency upbeat on long-haul arrivals

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) expects at least 1.5m tourists from North and South America this year, the same level recorded in 2019, with an increase in tourism receipts by combining the Easter holiday with the Songkran celebration in April. Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, TAT deputy governor for Europe, Africa, the Middle East and the Americas, said this year travel demand from the Americas has been robust. He said the trend should continue in April, which includes a portion of the Easter holiday, a popular travel period in the US. "As the Songkran celebration this year starts early [from April 1], it could attract foreign tourists to stay longer than usual during the Easter holiday to take part in the water festival or other cultural activities," said Siripakorn. Thailand has welcomed around 100,000 arrivals per month from the US since January. The TAT also proposed the government extend the eligible period of stay from 30 days for US nationals, as long-haul visitors have tended to stay longer post-pandemic.<br/>