Thai and Foreign Tourists Up During Songkran – Bringing Rise to Thai Tourism

Revenue from tourism during the Songkran festival season exceeded expectations this year. 506,136 tourists who arrived in the country brought in 24.65 billion baht. During the period of the festival which was from April 12th to 16th, locals too increased their travelling and spending which contributed 10.4 billion baht towards the total income from tourism.

The total income from the season amounted to 35.1 billion baht, indicating a 12.1% increase when compared with the same period last year. The ministry also revealed that the spending per person by foreigners increased. This would mean that Sukhumvit hotels in Bangkok, for example, the reputed hotel Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel would have experienced an increase in occupancy rates. Furthermore, Airbnb and its Thai hosts said that they earned 165 million during Songkran. The visitors were highly entertained by the celebrations on the streets that involved a huge water fight.