The European market has long been a major bedrock of Thai tourism. Of the 14.09 million international visitor arrivals to Thailand in 2009, a total of 4,055,118 arrivals were from Europe, a market share of 28.78%, an increase of 1.77% over 2008.

Although there was a decline in the first half of 2009 due to the financial crisis and the impact of the H1N1 flu, the number of visitors rebounded in the third and fourth quarter of 2009.

The United Kingdom is the largest source market out of Europe, having overtaken Germany many years ago and continuing to widen the lead. UK visitors arrival to Thailand totalled 840,198, were up +1.65%.

Germany is Thailand’s second highest source market from Europe. In 2009, Thailand recorded 573,742 German visitors (by nationality), up 5.71% over 2008.

France is the third biggest source of visitor arrivals from European countries, after UK and Germany. Reliable industry surveys show that Thailand is second to China as the French people’s favourite Asian destination. In 2009, French visitors travel to Thailand totalled 426,323, an increase of 7.01% over 2008.

Visitors from Russia to Thailand have been growing steadily over the past few years. In the early days, Russian visitors began flocking on charters to Pattaya to escape the harsh winters. Today, they have become mainstream travellers with strong growth potential. In 2009, Russian visitors to Thailand totalled 337,471, up 4.12% over 2008.

In 2009, Italian visitors to Thailand totalled 169,795, up 6.45%. Italy was the 8th biggest visitor source market in Europe with a market share of 1.20%.

Visitors from small markets showed good growth such as Austria (+6.46%), Belgium (+5.57%), Switzerland (+3.54%), The Netherlands (+5.79%) and Eastern Europe (+10.44%). Spain and Ireland showed declines of 6.27% and 10.81% mainly due to economic problems at home.

Although Thailand continues to remain the top long haul destination for Scandinavian visitors, last year saw a decline across all the Scandinavian countries. Thailand received 349,485 Swedish visitors (-10.91%), Denmark was down by 3.45% to 144,518 and Norway down by 2.54% to 121,434.

Nevertheless, this is seen as a temporary phenomena. Various consumer polls in Norway and Sweden see Thailand being regularly voted as travellers’ favourite tourist destination.

The European market is expected to get better in the first quarter of 2010 as economies improve and the number of direct flights increase.

This winter, Transero Airlines has increased flights on the route of Moscow – Bangkok from 4 flights/week to 7 flights/week, Moscow-Phuket from 1 flight/10 days to 5 flights/10days and St. Petersburg – Bangkok from 1 flight/14 days to 2 flights/week. In addition, Thai Airways International launched new route from Norway, Oslo-Bangkok 7 flights/week since 15 June 2009.

Some other statistical information available on German market as follows:

In 2008, German visitors recorded an average length of stay of 16.83 days, with daily expenditure per person of 3,608 baht (about 81 Euro) and generate tourism income of 32,259 million baht (723 million Euros).

Most of German visitors were male, Free Independent Travellers, aged between 35-44 years, with the purpose of travel for their holidays.

During the winter season, there are 43 direct flights service between Thailand and major cities of Germany operated by Thai Airways International, Lufthansa, LTU International, Air Berlin, Condor, and Flugdienst GMBH.

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