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Thailand expects record 2.2 million Russian tourists in 2024 – Thailand News – Thailand News, Travel & Forum

Thailand expects record 2.2 million Russian tourists in 2024 – Thailand News – Thailand News, Travel & Forum

Thailand expects record 2.2 million Russian tourists in 2024 – Thailand News – Thailand News, Travel & Forum
Photo courtesy of Travel and Leisure


Thailand’s tourism sector is expected to see a surge in Russian travellers, with forecasts pointing to a record 2.2 million arrivals next year, boosted by a new 60-day visa-free programme. However, a shortage of aircraft for Russian airlines poses a challenge, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) said.

By 2025, TAT aims to achieve 7.5% revenue growth, targeting 39 million foreign tourists and 205 million domestic trips.


Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, TAT Deputy Governor for Europe, Africa, the Middle East and the Americas, stated that the estimate of 2.2 million Russian tourists for next year is based on expected growth rates in 2024, which should see the market grow to 1.9-2 million visitors.

This year’s performance is expected to surpass both 2019 and 2023, which each saw 1.48 million Russian tourists. In the first half of the year alone, 920,989 Russian tourists visited Thailand, making them the fifth-largest group of foreign arrivals, Siripakorn said.


“Based on the first quarter report, their expenditure per trip was approximately 62,000 baht.”

The Russian market is expected to generate 124 billion baht in revenue for the Thai tourism industry by 2024.


Tour operators

Aeroflot and S7, two major Russian airlines, currently operate more than 40 flights a week to Bangkok and Phuket. The Thai tourism authority is in talks with airlines and tour operators to increase both scheduled and charter flights in the last quarter to meet the demand of Russian tourists during the peak season.

Although Thai Airways has expressed interest in resuming flights to Russia, there is no concrete plan yet, Siripakorn said.

Khanittha Phanworawat, director of TAT’s Moscow office, stressed that the shortage of aircraft at commercial and chartered airlines remains a major obstacle, exacerbated by the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. This situation prevents airlines from leasing new aircraft.

“The majority of the 61 long-haul aircraft of all airlines in Russia are allocated to domestic routes and other emerging destinations such as China, Vietnam and India.”

To address these challenges, TAT plans to promote longer travel packages for Russian tourists, combining cultural and historical tours with wellness activities and beach destinations to extend the length of stay.


Another problem is the ban on accepting Russian credit cards in Thailand, which discourages spending. That is why many Russian tourists opt for inclusive travel packages that cover all costs, including transportation, accommodation and food.

However, there are an increasing number of providers in major Thai cities offering ruble currency exchange services and some Russian visitors choose to register their new debit cards in other countries, which they can use in Thailand.

Thailand’s efforts to host and attract more Russian tourists are a strategic move to boost its tourism sector despite logistical and financial challenges posed by current geopolitical tensions, the Bangkok Post reports.

by Bob Scott

Photo courtesy of Travel and Leisure

Source: The Thai 2024-07-30

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