Between January and June 2024, over one million Indian tourists visited Thailand, marking a significant increase compared to the previous year. According to the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Kolkata, a total of 1,040,069 Indian tourists traveled to Thailand in just the first half of this year. In contrast, the whole of 2023 saw 1,628,542 Indian tourists visiting Thailand, highlighting the rapid growth in travel between the two nations.
India now ranks third in the number of tourists visiting Thailand in 2024, following China and Malaysia. The Thai Consul-General in Kolkata, Siriporn Tantipanyathep, expressed optimism about the future of India-Thailand tourism, predicting that Indian tourist numbers could surpass two million by the end of the year. This growth is supported by the fact that five of the ten highest revenue-generating routes for Thai Airways International are from India.
Several factors contribute to Thailand’s popularity among Indian travelers, including proximity, accessibility, and affordability. Bangkok is just two and a half hours away from Kolkata, and Thai Airways routes from Kolkata are consistently fully booked. The Thai government’s extension of the Tourist Visa Exemption for Indian nationals until November 11, 2024, has also played a crucial role in boosting tourist numbers.
Young professionals, particularly millennials and Gen Z, are the most common demographic of Indian travelers to Thailand. The affordability and diverse experiences available in Thailand make it an attractive destination for budget-conscious young travelers.
The tourism relationship between India and Thailand is reciprocal, with a significant number of Thai tourists visiting India each year, primarily to explore the Buddhist circuit in places like Bodhgaya and Nalanda. These sites hold great significance for Buddhist pilgrims, reinforcing the cultural and spiritual connections between the two countries.
The Honorary Consul of the Republic of Maldives in Kolkata, Ram Krishnna Jaiswal, noted a temporary dip in Indian tourists to the Maldives earlier this year due to a diplomatic row. However, tourism is now on the rise again, indicating that the political issues did not have a long-term impact on travel between the two nations. Efforts are also underway to establish direct flight routes from Kolkata to Male, which is expected to further boost tourism.
Sanjiv Agarwal, the organizer of this year’s Travel and Tourism Fair in Kolkata, highlighted emerging trends among Bengali tourists. There is a growing preference for travel to countries with limited visa requirements, especially during the Durga Puja season. Countries like Sri Lanka are becoming popular due to long visa wait times for destinations like the US and Europe.
Bengali tourists, known for their strong desire to travel, are exploring a variety of destinations and experiences. The Ramayana circuit, which includes Ayodhya, Sitamarhi, Valmiki Tiger Reserve in Bihar, and Janakpur and Valmiki Ashram in Nepal, is gaining interest. These destinations offer a mix of adventure and spiritual experiences, catering to families with diverse interests.
The significant increase in Indian tourists visiting Thailand in the first half of 2024 underscores the growing travel trends among India’s expanding middle class. Factors like proximity, visa exemptions, and affordability are driving this growth. Additionally, the reciprocal tourism relationship with Thailand and the evolving travel preferences among Bengali tourists highlight the dynamic nature of India’s travel landscape. As more direct flight routes are established and political issues are resolved, the future of tourism between these nations looks promising.
