The Tourism Authority of Thailand is forecasting significant growth in the country’s tourism sector during the upcoming New Year celebrations, with expectations of generating over 62 billion THB (approximately 1.8 billion USD) in revenue.

TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool has projected that 1.56 million international visitors will arrive in Thailand for the 2025 New Year period, contributing around 45 billion THB to the tourism industry. This marks a notable increase of 16% in visitor numbers and 20% in revenue compared to the previous year.

The domestic market is also set to play a key role, with an estimated 4.41 million Thai travelers expected to generate 17 billion THB in tourism revenue, reflecting a 29% growth in volume and a 30% rise in earnings year-on-year.

A variety of factors are contributing to this promising outlook, including the “Ease of Travel” initiatives. These measures, such as visa exemptions for visitors from 93 countries and simplified entry processes, are anticipated to boost foreign tourist arrivals to Thailand.

Thailand’s rise as a top New Year destination is a key factor in its increasing appeal. The country has earned recognition from prestigious global outlets, including Condé Nast Traveler, which named it one of the 20 Best Places for New Year’s Eve Celebrations worldwide.

In response to growing demand, the Thai government has declared a five-day public holiday from December 28 to January 1, 2025, offering a compelling incentive for travelers.

To tackle concerns over soaring airfares, the government is partnering with six airlines to provide a 30% discount on key tourist routes, covering destinations like Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Krabi, Phuket, Samui, Udon Thani, Ubon Ratchathani, and Khon Kaen.