Thailand attracts tourists from Saudi Arabia and China – new opportunities!

Thailand attracts tourists from Saudi Arabia and China – new opportunities!

Thailand is pursuing ambitious plans to attract high-priced tourists from Saudi Arabia and China to significantly increase visitor numbers and reduce reliance on traditional tourist groups. So reported Travel and Tour World, that over 228,000 tourists from Saudi Arabia have already traveled to Thailand in 2024, representing a notable increase compared to the previous year. These visitors spend an average of around 110,000 baht and spend around two weeks in the country. A smart move as demand from Saudi Arabia increasingly extends beyond mainstream travel destinations.

An impressive new project is planning an office in Riyadh that will support Saudi travelers while strengthening Thailand's market position. This is accompanied by a focus on knowledge exchange, particularly in the area of ​​hospitality management. Finally, Saudi Arabia's changing tourism market is also an exciting topic. The current leadership shows a commitment to diversity and cultural exchange and, as part of Vision 2030, plans to welcome 150 million tourists annually by 2030, a third of which will come from abroad. Channel News Asia has highlighted that Saudi Arabia already recorded 30 million inbound tourists by the end of 2024, representing a growth of 8 percent compared to the previous year.

Strategies for attracting visitors

In order to increase its attractiveness for Chinese tourists, Thailand is relying on a multifunctional program. As Travel and Tour World reports, the 750 million baht Summer Blast China & Overseas Market program aims to attract between 2 and 3 million Chinese visitors in the coming months. This is done through active advertising measures, which not only include campaigns with Chinese authorities, but also collaborations with influencers. This strategy will be supported by over 1,000 charter flights from China, Macau and Taiwan until around mid-2026.

The image of tourism in Thailand is not only characterized by increasing numbers of visitors every year, but is also an important economic factor. Loud Statista Tourism revenue in December 2024 was over 172 billion baht. The Thai capital Bangkok remains the magnet for travelers, generating an impressive 940 billion baht in tourist sales in 2024. However, there are also challenges to overcome: Thailand's safety and environmental assessment has some catching up to do, and the health and safety concerns raised are, according to 2025 surveys, key concerns for travelers.

A look outside the box

Another exciting aspect is that Thailand is coming up with initiatives to highlight its regional offerings. A documentary about a Chachoengsao youth soccer team is even being planned to shine a spotlight on local attractions. Creatively promoting these goals aims not only to increase visitor numbers, but also to extend stays, thereby creating sustainable economic and cultural benefits. The Ministry of Tourism is optimistic that these new strategies will prove a good hand and help Thailand establish itself as a top destination in the international travel market.