Thailand aims for 8 million European tourists in 2025 with new tourism initiatives

The Ministry of Tourism and Sports is prioritising partnerships with airlines and ambassadors to ensure a full return of international flights and enhanced travel experiences.

“The future of Thai tourism is bright, dynamic and full of opportunities. We are investing in infrastructure, streamlining the visa process, and creating new products and services to ensure that Thailand remains at the forefront of global tourism,” said Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong at the World Travel Market (WTM) 2024 in London, one of the largest global tourism trade events, held from November 5-7.

To support this ambitious target, Thienthong will engage with foreign ambassadors, especially from key markets like the UK, Germany, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East, as well as airline representatives. Their discussions will focus on increasing flight availability and planning for the 2025 high season, according to the Bangkok Post.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) reports that Thailand anticipates 9.6 million long-haul visitors in 2024, with an estimated 7.3 million tourists coming from Europe.

In line with its tourism revival efforts, Thailand announced last month that it was introducing an automated biometric identification system using facial recognition technology at six major airports. This system, expected to be operational for international flights by December 1, aims to streamline entry processes and enhance security, marking a significant post-pandemic development in Thailand’s tourism infrastructure.