“In the first half of 2016, Thailand is projected to record Bt1.24 trillion in tourism receipts, covering both international and domestic tourism,” he said.

“Domestic travel is projected at more than 75 million trips, up 4 per cent over the first half of 2015, generating an estimated Bt416 billion in tourism receipts, or 6-per-cent growth.”

Both the first and second quarters of 2016 recorded strong increases. In the first quarter, international visits were up 15 per cent and tourism receipts were up 19 per cent. The second quarter is projected to have recorded 9-per-cent growth in international visitors and 14-per-cent growth in tourism receipts.

All of the major source markets affected by the bomb blast at Bangkok’s Ratchaprasong Intersection last year recovered quickly, including mainland China, Hong Kong, Singapore and Japan.

In addition, long-haul source markets showed a good recovery, particularly Europe.

Domestic travel is projected to improve steadily thanks to signs of a recovery in the Thai economy.

The first quarter of 2016 recorded 37.4 million domestic trips, up by 3.6 per cent, generating an estimated Bt212 billion, an increase of 7 per cent. The second quarter is projected to record an increase of 4.4 per cent to 37.7 million trips, generating an estimated Bt200 billion.

The most popular regions for domestic travel in the first two quarters were Bangkok (18.3 million trips), the Central region (16 million) and the Northeast (13.4 million).

Yuthasak said TAT was forecasting that the third quarter of 2016 would receive Bt635 billion or 14 per cent in receipts from international and domestic tourism. This forecast is based on projected international visitor arrivals of 8.30 million (up 14 per cent), generating an estimated Bt423 billion (up 18 per cent).

The top five markets in terms of tourism receipts are projected as China, Malaysia, Australia, Japan and the United Kingdom.

The positive direction is underlined by various factors. Forward flight bookings to Thailand, particularly for long-haul markets, send a positive sign. Several new routes to Koh Samui from China’s secondary cities including Chengdu and Chongqing have been launched.

Moreover, the “Amazing Thailand Grand Sale” this month and the upcoming “Women’s Journey” project in August will help stimulate travel, TAT says.