Thailand has set itself disproportionate ambitions to welcome 80 million tourists by 2027. This objective is achievable thanks to the influx of tourists from China. However, the idea of sustainable tourism should be forgotten.
Expansion of Bangkok’s low-cost airport
Airports of Thailand (AOT) plans to invest 36.8 billion baht (about one billion euros) to expand its low-cost terminal at Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok. It’s about making more passengers and increasing revenue from tourism.
Construction will begin this year and last until 2029, AOT said in a statement. The expansion of the terminal would increase its handling capacity from 30 million passengers to 40 million per year.
80 million tourists by 2029?
Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports said it was aiming to double the number of tourists before the pandemic by 2027. The country, which recorded nearly 40 million tourists in 2019, said it had set itself a target of 80 million by 2027.
The ministry, however, also warned that before the country reaches 80 million tourists, it is necessary to have infrastructure ready to handle the influx of tourists.
“Before that, Thailand needs to make sure there will be enough staff to accommodate them and we recognize that there is currently a severe labor shortage in the tourism and service sectors,” said said Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn.
In 2023, Thailand hopes for 25 million tourists
It is a question of bringing in 10 to 11 million additional tourists compared to 2022. We are still far from the 2019 record which brought in 40 million tourists.
25 million visitors are expected to generate around 2.4 trillion baht in revenue.
7 additional airports by 2029?
The Department of Airports (DOA) plans to spend 50 billion baht on the development of seven new regional airports in Thailand, in the provinces of Nakhon Pathom, Bueng Khan, Mukdahan, Kalasin, Phayao, Phatthalung and Satun.
The idea of setting up airports in regions that are little frequented by tourism is rather a good idea. The problem is to encourage promoters to build new hotels, then to ensure the promotion of these regions.
It is clear that the influx of tourists in certain areas of Thailand can tarnish the image of the country such as in Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai as well as some islands.
