Two consecutive national holidays this month are expected to generate 18.3 billion baht in tourism revenue from 5 million domestic trips, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).
TAT governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool said domestic tourism sentiment during the Buddhist holidays marked last weekend -- Asarnha Bucha Day and Khao Phansa (Buddhist Lent) -- and His Majesty the King's 72nd birthday on July 28 remains positive.
Thai travellers tend to spend their holidays with their family, attending religious ceremonies, while many state authorities are planning special events during the King's birthday, boosting domestic travel.
However, Ms Thapanee said some travellers are still cautious when it comes to spending, attributed to the high cost of living and the sluggish economy, while those with high purchasing power tend to opt for trips overseas instead.
Revenue growth during this holiday period would only increase slightly.
During the holidays, the Central and West would gain the largest number of domestic trips at 1.17 million, generating 2.48 billion baht revenue, followed by Bangkok with 947,810 trips and 4.78 billion baht revenue, and the Northeast with 931,950 trips and nearly 2 billion baht revenue.
She said travel during the two Buddhist holidays was more robust than the King's birthday, with a 66% occupancy rate and 9.5 billion baht revenue from 2.58 million trips, compared with the forecast of a 63% occupancy rate and 8.86 billion baht revenue from 2.43 million trips for the upcoming holiday.
Chonburi was the top destination, securing the highest occupancy rate at 86%, attributed to its short distance from Bangkok and various events including Amazing Thailand Pattaya Marathon, along with 'Vijitr Chonburi Lighting Extravaganza'.
Ubon Ratchathani was in second place with an 84% occupancy rate as it hosted the popular candle festival and 'Vijitr Ubon Ratchathani Lighting Extravaganza'.
The top 10 provinces attracting the largest number of domestic visitors would be major tourism cities such as Chonburi, Kanchanaburi, Ayutthaya, Prachuap Khiri Khan and Udon Thani.
According to the TAT, during the first half, Thailand welcomed over 135 million domestic trips, generating over 492 billion baht revenue.
