Indian arrivals exceed half million
Indian visitor arrivals crossed the half a million mark in January-July 2011, reinforcing the country's position as one of Thailand's most rapidly growing markets. They recorded an average length of stay of 6.16 days.
According to Tourism Authority of Thailand, the total arrivals of 552,321 were up 36.21 per cent over the same period of 2011, and made India the sixth largest source market for Thailand. Factors attributing to the growth were improved facilitation, accessibility, affordability and Indian's growing economy.
TAT expects the million mark to be crossed by 2012.
In 2000, Indian visitors totalled 224,104, rose to 381,471 in 2005 and 536,356 in 2007. They touched 760,371 in 2010 are expected to be very near the onemillion mark for this year.
In 2010, first-time visitors from India were up by 50 per cent and repeat visitors were up slightly by just under 5 per cent. Their favourite destinations are Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Samui, Chiang Rai, Krabi, Ayutthaya, and Koh Chang.
