Thailand: May 17 tourist arrivals up 4.6% to 2.6 million – 12 Jun 2017

• International tourist arrivals in Thailand rose 4.6% y/y in May 17, with revenue up 6.9%, but a strong baht could impact the lucrative industry, the Tourism and Sports Ministry said on 12 Jun 17.
• The number of foreign tourists stood at 2.59 million in May 17, led by visitors from China, Malaysia, India, Russia and the United States, generating revenue of THB125bn (USD3.67bn), Pongpanu Svetarundra, the ministry’s permanent secretary, said in a statement.
• In the Jan-May 17 period, tourist numbers rose 3.2% to 14.61 million, with revenue up 5.1% to THB747bn, the ministry said.
• The strengthening of the baht against currencies in Thailand’s tourist markets, such as the dollar, the pound and the euro, might affect visitor’s spending and their travel decisions to Thailand, Mr Pongpanu said.
• But a stronger rouble against the baht has helped lift arrivals from Russia, he added.
• Tourism accounts for 12% of the economy, a rare bright spot for the economy, whose growth has lagged regional peers in recent years.

External Link : http://www.bangkokpost.com/business/tourism-and-transport/1267150/may-tourist-arrivals-up-4-6-to-2-6m