Germany is Thailand’s second highest source market from Europe, second only to the UK. In January – December 2007, Thailand recorded 445,577 German visitors (by nationality) at the country’s main international gateway, Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, up +8.49% over 2006.

This is not a complete figure of total arrivals because it does not include those who entered Thailand directly through other gateways such as Phuket International Airport or one of the border crossings.

Some other statistical information was available as this Press kit went to print, as follows:

• In January - October 2007, German business travellers to Thailand were up 8.41% to 33,284 while convention delegates declined by 53.02% to 9,986.
  
  German visitors aged 15 – 24 were up 5.77%. Those who described their professions as “Students” on the arrival cards were also up to 12.22% to 48,129.
  
  Thailand has long been a favourite long-haul destination for retired Germans who often come to escape the cold months of Europe. In a clear indication of Thailand’s continued popularity in this area, Germans aged 65+ were up by a significant 17.38%. Those described themselves as being “retired” were up 82.77% to 15,444.
  
  First-time visitors from Germany were up 24.48% to 161,414. Repeat visitors from Germany declined slightly by 3.18%.
  
  During January - December 2007, German visitors recorded an average length of stay of 15.18 days, well above the average length of stay of all European visitors of 14.44 days.
  
  The Thai tourism industry is projecting 582,000 German visitor arrivals in 2008 and a revenue target of 33,900 million baht.

Contact information:
International Public Relation Division
Tel: +66 (0) 2250 5500 ext. 4545-48
Fax: +66 (0) 2253 7419
E-mail: prdiv3@tat.or.th
Web site: www.tatnews.org