The number of Chinese vacationers visiting Thailand continues to fall behind predictions, regardless of China lifting journey restrictions over eight months ago. By September 10, a total of two.28 million Chinese arrivals had been recorded for the yr, with estimates for the tip of the 12 months standing between four and 4.4 million. Frenzy falls in need of the initial target of 5 million set earlier in the year, signifying a decline in Chinese tourism.
The decline in Chinese tourism to Thailand, which fell by 99% in 2021 from roughly 10 million in 2019 due to China’s borders being sealed, is believed to be due to a number of elements. Safety issues, the sluggish Chinese economy, and domestic tourism promotions from the Chinese authorities have all performed a part.
Notably, security concerns have been highlighted as a key concern by both tour operators and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), with the Thai Cabinet just lately approving a visa exemption for Chinese nationals for five months in an try to spice up tourism numbers. However, tourism analysts nonetheless predict a hesitant Chinese tourism market.
In terms of the history of Chinese tourism in Thailand, a major increase in Chinese guests was seen following the release of the Chinese comedy film Lost in Thailand in 2012. The film saw Chinese arrivals nearly tripled from 1.7 million in 2011 to 4.6 million in 2013, with many visitors choosing Thailand as their first overseas destination.
However, in current occasions, unfavorable portrayals of Southeast Asia in Chinese movies, such as the thriller ‘No More Bets’, and safety issues circulated on social media have led to a lower in Chinese tourism to Thailand. The Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA) has called for an official assertion from the federal government to assure tourists about safety, alongside the visa exemption.
Despite these challenges, the TAT continues to advertise Thailand to the Chinese using three themes: Convenience & safety, worthwhile, and expertise. The TAT is also focusing on high quality tourists who spend on average fifty one,415 baht per person per journey. With the visa exemption, income from the Chinese tourism market is estimated at 258 billion baht this 12 months from an estimated 4 to 4.four million vacationers, reported Bangkok Post.
As part of the efforts to enhance security and combat unlawful businesses, Thailand plans to signal a memorandum of understanding with the Cultural Ministry of China and the Tourism Authority in China.
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