Bangkok (VNA) – Thailand’s tourism-relatedrevenue surged by 44% during the New Year countdown period thanks to avisa-free scheme and extended operating hours of entertainment places,according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).

TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaiboon said that fromDecember 22 to January 1 the country generated 54.4 billion THB (1.58 billionUSD) in tourism-related revenue. The amount rose by 44% from revenue in thesame period last year.

Thapanee estimated revenue from 1.1 million visitorsduring the period at 41.7 billion THB, 60% higher year-on-year.

She said the increase resulted partly from thegovernment's visa-free scheme for visitors from China, India, Kazakhstan,Russia and Taiwan (China) and permission for entertainment places to open until4am in the tourist provinces of Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chon Buri, Phuket andSurat Thani (Koh Samui).

Meanwhile, Thais made 3.76 million domestic trips duringthe period. They spent about 12.7 billion THB, up by 11% from a year earlier,the TAT Governor said.

According to Thapanee, the TAT and partnersorganised New Year celebration events in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen, NakhonPhanom, Nakhon Ratchasima, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Phuket, Roi Et, Songkhla and SuphanBuri.

The provinces welcomed 1.11 million domestic visitorsaltogether, up by 11%, and revenue from the events amounted to 4.7 billion THB,up by 14%.

The average hotel occupancy rate was at 82% andBangkok was the most popular destination, followed by Nakhon Ratchasima and ChiangMai, Thapanee said.

The Thai government is aiming to generate 3.5trillion THB for the economy through the tourism industry this year, as it plansto promote the country as a year-round tourism destination.

Government spokesman Chai Wacharonke said that in2023, Thailand welcomed more than 27 million foreign visitors, with Malaysiansforming the biggest group, followed by those from China.

As the government is targeting 3.5 trillion THB intourism revenues this year, authorities are rolling out a campaign to promoteThailand as a destination that can be visited throughout the year.

The campaign will see lesser-known tourist destinationspromoted alongside those which are already well-known among tourists, he said.

The government expects revenue of 1 trillion THB (28.5 bilion USD) from domestic tourists and 2.5 trillion THB (71.5 billion USD) from foreign visitors, he said./.