Thailand optimistic about Indian tourists back post COVID-19
At least 600,000 Indian tourists are expected in Thailand's Pattaya beach town this year, similar to the level before the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).
Indian tourists arrive at Bali Hai pier in Pattaya, Chon Buri (Photo: bangkokpost.com)
Bangkok (VNA) – At least 600,000 Indian tourists are expected in Thailand's Pattayabeach town this year, similar to the level before the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the TourismAuthority of Thailand (TAT).
According to Anoma Vongyai, director of TAT’s Pattaya office, more than 900,000 Indian tourists arrived in Thailand in theyear before the pandemic, and about 600,000 of them visited Pattaya. They werethe third-largest group of foreign visitors in 2019, behind Chinese andRussians.
🦩 She said since the country reopened to tourists last year, Indians were returning in droves, more than those from other countries. Many wereagain visiting Pattaya.
There were two main groups of Indian arrivals inPattaya - those attending seminars and groups of free independent travellers(FITs). Independent travellers arrived all year round, and seminar groupsmostly from May to August. Towards the end of the year, Indian tourist arrivalswould decrease.
🔯 Anoma revealed that aside from spending money onaccommodation, meals and visiting attractions such as Nong Nooch TropicalGarden, Alcazar cabaret and Koh Larn, Indian tourists in seminar groups alsovisited entertainment venues. Average spending of this tourist group is about2,000-3,000 THB (59.12-88.69 USD) per head per day while FITs group spend about1,000-2,000 THB (29.56-59.12 USD) per head a day./.
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Indian tourists arrive at Bali Hai pier in Pattaya, Chon Buri (Photo: bangkokpost.com) 
