Thailand On Track For Unstoppable Tourism Growth In 2026 With Nine Million Chinese Tourists And A Record-Breaking Thirty-Nine Million Arrivals

Published on December 24, 2025

Thailand is set for an exceptional year in 2026 as it is on track to achieve unstoppable tourism growth, welcoming a record-breaking thirty-nine million visitors. This surge is primarily driven by the impressive influx of nine million Chinese tourists, marking a significant boost to the nation’s tourism sector. The combination of Thailand’s rich cultural heritage, world-class infrastructure, and evolving travel trends has positioned it as an increasingly popular destination, attracting millions from China and beyond.

The Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA) has projected an ambitious target of 39 million foreign arrivals to Thailand in 2026, with an expected 9 million of those travelers coming from China. This optimism is based on a positive outlook for the country’s tourism sector, which has shown resilience and growth even in challenging times. ATTA is committed to supporting this growth and contributing significantly to Thailand’s economic recovery and tourism expansion. To achieve this goal, the association is preparing for a high-impact trade event in January, aimed at generating at least 3 billion baht in revenue.

The “Thailand Tourism and MICE Next 2026” trade show, scheduled for January 23, is a crucial platform for Thailand’s tourism industry. This event will bring together between 1,200 and 1,500 participants, both from Thailand and international markets, and will focus on tourism and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) business. The trade show is expected to feature a broad representation from across the Thai tourism sector, including 250 to 300 tourism operators from major and secondary destinations in the country. These operators will include representatives from regions impacted by recent challenges, such as the ongoing Thailand-Cambodia border dispute and the severe flooding in southern Thailand, which has affected local tourism in those areas.

ATTA is not only looking to boost domestic tourism but is also focused on strengthening Thailand’s position as a top destination for international travelers. As part of its strategic goals for 2026, the association plans to organize several roadshows in China and target other key markets. These efforts will help Thailand capitalize on its increasing appeal as a tourist destination and tap into new markets that are showing signs of growth.

The “Thailand Tourism and MICE Next 2026” trade show is designed to be more than just an exhibition; it will serve as a vital business networking hub where industry professionals can forge connections, negotiate deals, and collaborate on future tourism initiatives. With its emphasis on the MICE sector, the event will highlight Thailand’s growing importance as a regional leader in business tourism, which has been an essential driver of revenue and long-term growth. Business tourism is increasingly seen as a crucial component of Thailand’s overall tourism strategy, and the MICE trade show will provide a significant platform for Thailand to showcase its capacity to host international conferences, meetings, and exhibitions.

Looking ahead, ATTA has set its sights on making Thailand a preferred destination for business travelers as well. The association has highlighted several upcoming events that are expected to attract global attention and contribute to the country’s tourism growth. Notably, Thailand is scheduled to host several major international gatherings in 2026, including the IMF-World Bank Group Annual Meeting, Gastech 2026, the Global Wellness Summit 2026, and the Amway China meetings. These high-profile events are expected to have a significant impact on business travel to Thailand, with ATTA projecting a 20% increase in business tourism as a result. The rise in business events will likely translate into more visitors from abroad, bringing with them not only the economic benefits of tourism but also the prestige of hosting such influential events.

In addition to these events, Thailand’s continued investment in its tourism infrastructure, including new hotel developments, improved transport links, and state-of-the-art meeting facilities, is expected to bolster the country’s reputation as a destination that can meet the needs of international business travelers. The association is optimistic that this infrastructure development will pave the way for sustained growth in the tourism sector, with a particular focus on expanding the MICE industry, which has been one of the key growth areas for Thailand in recent years.

ATTA is also closely monitoring the situation with the formation of a new government in Thailand. Once the new government takes office in 2026, the association has expressed its desire for increased collaboration with the private sector. This collaboration is seen as essential to strengthening key markets, both domestically and internationally. ATTA believes that a unified approach between the public and private sectors will create a more cohesive strategy for tourism development, ensuring that Thailand remains competitive in the global tourism landscape.

The association is also keen to align its efforts with the country’s broader economic and social goals. Thailand’s tourism sector has been one of the country’s most important sources of income, and its role in driving economic growth cannot be overstated. By focusing on both leisure and business travel, ATTA aims to maximize the sector’s contribution to the national economy. This dual focus is expected to help Thailand achieve its ambitious tourism targets and ensure that the country remains an attractive destination for international visitors, even as competition from other regional destinations increases.

Thailand is on track for record-breaking tourism growth in 2026, with nine million Chinese tourists contributing to a total of thirty-nine million arrivals, driven by the country’s cultural appeal, improved infrastructure, and strong global tourism trends.

With a clear strategy in place for 2026, ATTA is confident that Thailand’s tourism sector will continue its upward trajectory. The combination of large-scale events, increased international outreach, and a stronger focus on the MICE industry will help drive the growth needed to meet the 39 million foreign arrivals target. With strong partnerships, enhanced collaboration with the private sector, and a focus on both business and leisure travel, Thailand is poised to remain a leading tourism destination for years to come.