Bangkok, 13 December 2018 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is delighted to welcome the one millionth tourist arrival from Vietnam, a historic first between the two Southeast Asian countries.
The one millionth Vietnamese tourist, Ms. Duong Thu Trang, landed 13 December, 2018, on board Thai Airways International (THAI)’s flight TG561 from Hanoi, which touched down at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport at 12.25 Hrs.
Mr. Chattan Kunjara Na Ayudhya, TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing (Asia and the South Pacific), said: “This is truly a historic occasion, and TAT is very pleased to welcome the one millionth tourist arrival from Vietnam to Thailand in 2018. For first time Vietnamese travellers, over 90% choose Thailand and for that we are really grateful.”
Ms. Duong Thu Trang was welcomed by officials and representatives from TAT, Suvarnabhumi Airport, the Immigration Department and THAI.
To mark the occasion, the lucky arrival received special prizes including a Thailand tour package for two, return airfare for two, and gift voucher of 10,000 Baht.
After arrival, Ms. Duong Thu Trang was chauffeured to her accommodation in Bangkok. The transfer from airport was hosted by the TAT Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) Office.
Vietnam is one of Thailand’s most vibrant short-haul markets. With a population of over 96 million, the country is enjoying an economic boom fuelled by foreign investment from Japan, South Korea, China and Russia in several large industrial sectors. This is combined with the introduction of new low-cost carriers offering increased flight frequencies between Vietnam and Thailand.
In 2017, Thailand welcomed 970,000 visitors from Vietnam generating over 30 billion Baht in tourism-related revenue.
During 2019, the TAT HCMC Office plans to be more proactive in promoting Thailand around the country. It has scheduled marketing initiatives in both key and secondary cities around Vietnam including the capital Hanoi plus emerging destinations like Haiphong, Quảng Ninh and surrounding provinces.
