Tourists visiting Thailand to rise 12.1% in 2014

BANGKOK, December 31 (TNA) - Despite current political problem, the number of tourists visiting Thailand in 2014 is expected to increase 12.1 per cent from this year, Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT) President Piyaman Tejapaibul said on Tuesday. According to Mrs. Piyaman, about 29.92 million foreign tourists are expected to visit Thailand in 2014 and the country would earn 1.35 trillion baht. TCT estimates that about 26.69 million tourists would visit the kingdom during the calendar 2013, enabling the country to earn 1.16 trillion baht, Mrs. Piyaman said. Amid the rosy picture of the tourism industry, those who are engaged in the field especially in the northeastern and southern regions are encountering shortage of skilled personnel, she noted. Hoteliers and beverage operators still require experienced receptionists and sales personnel. Simultaneously, tourism operators, especially in Bangkok and northern provinces are having problems since October after the number of Chinese tourists visiting Thailand has declined after the Chinese government issued a stiff law aimed at protecting Chinese tourists, said Mrs. Piyaman. The TCT preisdent said that most tourism entrepreneurs are, however, optimistic that the situation would improve from late 2014.(TNA)