Although the Phuket boat tragedy is likely to impact tourism numbers going forward, Thailand had a very positive first half of the year.
The country welcomed nearly 20 million visitors, up almost 12% on last year and posted a 15% gain in tourism revenue to more than THB 1 trillion, tourism and sports ministry permanent secretary Pongpanu Svetarundra said.
In June more than three million overseas tourists visited and Thailand expects nearly THB 3 trillion baht in tourism-related economic impact by the end of the year.
Tourism is a key sector and generates about 12% of GDP.
However, a backlash has already started from Thailand’s top market China.
Thousands have cancellations bookings to Phuket and elsewhere due to the deadly boat accident in early July which killed dozens of Chinese tourists.
There have also been calls for a boycott.
China contributes nearly a third of all international tourist arrivals to Thailand.
