KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian tourists are estimated to have spent as much as RM4.6 billion last year in Thailand, if each person spent RM1,000.
According to a Utusan Malaysia report, a total of 4.56 million tourists from Malaysia out of 28 million tourists worldwide were recorded entering Thailand.
All in, tourists spent RM161.52 billion in Thailand in the period.
Speaking to the paper, Malaysian consul-general in Songkhla, Ahmad Fahmi Ahmad Sarkawi, said the number of tourists visiting our northern neighbours was expected to increase this year.
"For this year, the figure is expected to increase based on the trend of visitor arrivals to Thailand," he said.
In November, it was reported that three million Malaysian tourists were recorded entering Thailand, especially to visit Hatyai, from the beginning of the year until October.
During the same period, approximately 700,000 Thai tourists were recorded entering Malaysia.
Among the vacation spots that are frequently visited in Thailand was Hatyai, which is always filled with tourists, especially from Malaysia, during school holidays and weekends.
Several surveys conducted by the paper previously found tourist locations, eateries, and hotels filled with Malaysian citizens, and tourist buses filling the roads.
Fahmi said there were several factors driving tourist arrivals to Thailand, including the relatively low costs compared to other countries.
"The various types of tourist attractions available in Thailand somewhat act as a magnet for visitors to come here.
"Furthermore, delicious food that suits the taste of Malaysians also serves as a draw for our people to come here, besides its proximity," he said.
Fahmi said tourism industry players in Thailand emphasise the aspect of hospitality to every tourist to the country.
He said this attitude could be emulated by the people and tourism industry entrepreneurs in Malaysia to attract more foreign visitors.
"Thailand truly celebrates their guests, and perhaps we in Malaysia can adopt this attitude and welcome the presence of these guests," he said.
He added that this factor was seen as capable of being a draw to ensure that more foreign visitors spend their vacation time in Malaysia.
"In addition to having attractive tourist locations, the friendly hospitality aspect within the Malaysian community and tourism industry players can attract visitors to this country," he said.