Russian tourists take a nap at Layan beach in Phuket, Thailand, December 25, 2022. Photo by Reuters
The Tourism Authority of Thailand has set a target of receiving 2 million Russian visitors next year, double this year’s target, driven by the increase in regular flights.
Prior to the war with Ukraine, Russian tourists typically picked up European destinations for their summer holidays but now they travel to Thailand all year round, Khanittha Phanworawat, director of TAT’s Moscow office, told Bangkok Post.
Thailand remained the leading destination for Russians, most of whom opt for longer lengths of stay with high spending, she said.
So far this year, Thailand has received more than 840,000 Russian visitors, putting it the top five biggest feeder tourism markets.
Thailand eyes 1 million Russian tourists this year.
The resumption of flights between Thailand and Europe, including Russia, is estimated to have reached around 70% of pre-pandemic levels during this year’s peak season.
Thailand started seeing an influx of Russian visitors in the final months of 2022 as they flocked there to escape their winter.
Southeast Asia’s second largest economy has welcomed 12.46 million foreign tourists this year with Malaysia, China and Russia the top three sources, according to government figures.
