Thailand regained its position as Southeast Asia’s top travel destination in the primary quarter of this yr, taking up from Malaysia last yr.
In 2023, Malaysia attracted almost 29 million tourists, surpassing Thailand’s 28 million. While many were surprised by Malaysia’s rise to the highest, latest data indicates a change as Thailand regains its leading position.
Thailand attracted 9.37 million foreign visitors in January-March 2024, because of its pro-tourism policies, including a everlasting visa waiver for China. Meanwhile, Malaysia, which was the regional tourism leader last yr, got here second with 5.8 million arrivals, up 32% year-on-year.
Vietnam got here in third with 4.6 million visitors, up 72% year-on-year, while Singapore got here in third with 4.35 million visitors, up 50%.
Indonesia got here in fifth with 3 million visits, while the Philippines and Cambodia welcomed 1.6 million and 1.58 million foreign tourists in the course of the same period. Laos welcomed just 1 million international arrivals.
Southeast Asian countries reminiscent of Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia are competing with one another to draw potential tourism markets reminiscent of China, India and Europe by offering visa waivers or extending visa-free periods.
