Cheaper packages and attractive air fares were catalysts to the increase in outbound travels.
TTAA president Suparerk Soorangura, said the outbound sector this year is outstanding compared to the inbound and domestic sectors, with the outbound business for the entire year expected to grow by about five per cent, while the final quarter alone should be 10 per cent higher than the same period last year.
He said inbound arrival at Suvarnabhumi Airport, meanwhile, dropped 19 per cent during the first nine months, but is expected to rebound slightly during the current quarter.
He predicts that the number of Thais going abroad will increase from 5.7 million last year to 6 million this year.
Key factors contributed to the growth are tough competition that has forced tour operators to lower their package prices by more than five per cent, while airlines have offered more attractive fares to boost sales during both the low-period third quarter and the current high season.
Moreover, he said some countries have adjusted their visa regulations, such as Japan, which now offers a visa exemption for Thai tourists.
Foreign national tourism organisations in Thailand have also increased their marketing efforts in bid to attract more Thai visitors, while many locals flocked to the “Thai International Travel Fair” held in Bangkok last month and purchased attractive overseas packages on offer at the event.
Suparerk said outbound business should continue to expand next year if the government holds a general election and approves major investment plans for the country’s infrastructure system.
At the same time president of the Thai-Japan Travel Business Association Mr Anake Srichevachart said Japan had become the most popular destination for Thai tourists.
Thailand is the fourth biggest source of tourists for Japan, following mainland China, South Korea and Taiwan.
About 400,000 Thais visited the country last year and this year the number is expected to reach 600,000.