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Thai airports closing duty-free shops to boost tourism spending
Thailand will close down duty-free stores in the arrival areas of international airports in order to boost visitor spending in destinations.
The three concession owners of duty-free stores located at eight international airports have agreed to suspend sales.
They have stores at both Bangkok airports, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Hat Yai, Rayong, Samui and Krabi.
Thai officials haven’t yet said when this will take effect.
Sales at Thailand’s international arrival duty-free shops was over THB3 billion (US$82.9 million) last year.
The Thai government estimates the measure will increase foreign visitors’ spending by THB570 baht per person.
Thailand is targeting over 36 million foreign visitors in 2024.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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