BANGKOK, April 23 (Xinhua) -- Thailand welcomed 1.92 million foreign tourist arrivals during the extended Songkran festival between April 1-21, a surge of 37.54 percent over a year earlier, giving a boost to the country's vital tourism industry, official data showed on Tuesday.
According to the Thai Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the Songkran festival generated 140.33 billion baht (3.78 billion U.S. dollars) in revenue over the 21-day celebration, as both local and international visitors enjoyed the festivities across the Southeast Asian nation.
China came in as the leading source of inbound tourists to Thailand during the period, with an 89.16 percent jump compared to the previous year, bringing in 395,830 visitors, followed by 298,263 from Malaysia, 114,330 from India, 104,538 from Russia and 84,539 from South Korea, the ministry said in a statement.
The rising number of inbound tourists was attributed to the government's efforts to facilitate travel, including the visa-free entry scheme and eased immigration procedures. The mutual visa exemption agreement between Thailand and China, effective from March 1, also helped boost confidence in travel between the two countries, the statement said.
Last year, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization added the Songkran festival, the traditional Thai New Year, which normally falls on April 13-15, to its list of intangible cultural heritage of humanity.
Also known as the water festival, the Songkran-themed activities play a crucial role in attracting tourists. This year's upscaled festivities showcased Thai culture and traditions, garnering worldwide attention and solidifying the kingdom's position as a host for world-class events, said Tourism and Sports Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol.
Over 11.29 million foreign tourists have arrived in Thailand so far this year, on course to meet the whole-year target of 35 million, the ministry data showed.
In pre-pandemic 2019, Chinese tourists accounted for about 28 percent of the nearly 40 million foreign tourists to Thailand. Tourism, the key driver of the Southeast Asian nation's economic growth, accounts for about 12 percent of its gross domestic product. ■
