Tourism
Chinese tourists in Thailand likely to reach 10 Mln in 2016
Just for the four first month of this year, 3,445,501 Chinese tourists visited Thailand, a 27% jump compared to last year, making the target of 10 millions most likely to be attained for 2016.
Deputy Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Governor Srisuda Wannapinyosak said the number of Chinese visitors would likely reach 10 millions throughout 2016.
Visitor arrivals to Thailand in January – April 2016, totalled 11,682,144, a growth of 14.12% over the same period of 2015.
This is based on a 27.35% increase in arrivals from China, now by far the largest source of visitors, a resumption of growth from Russia and a strong performance by the ASEAN countries, especially Thailand’s neighbouring countries of Cambodia, Lao PDR. and Myanmar.
Just for the four first month of this year, 3,445,501 Chinese tourists visited Thailand, a 27% jump compared to last year, making the target of 10 millions most likely to be attained for 2016.
The deputy TAT governor for Asian and South Pacific Marketing revealed that the volume of arrivals of tourists from China to Thailand has considerably risen during this year’s first quarter and could probably go up to 10 millions by the end of this year, compared to about 7.9 million last year.
Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, Governor of Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) said, “Steady growing visitor arrivals are always good news. Thanks to the support and cooperation of all those who work in travel and tourism, the Royal Thai Government and all the private sector associations, we can prove that our vibrant industry is doing more than its fair share to ensure job creation, income distribution and economic well-being nationwide.”
Of that total, about three million Chinese tourists were reported to come as tour groups. The rest would travel on their own and be considered quality tourists who might spend an average of 5,000 baht per person per day or some 50,000 baht per person per trip.
The TAT is confident that its marketing plans have been carried out effectively and has granted special awards for Thailand’s popular tourist attractions and activities among Chinese tourists, including the ”2016 People’s Choice Awards Voted by Chinese Tourists.”
Top 10 markets for Thailand in January – April 2016
| Rank | Country | No. of Arrivals | % Share | %Change |
| 1 | China | 3,445,501 | 29.49 | +27.35 |
| 2 | Malaysia | 1,177,534 | 10.08 | +8.48 |
| 3 | Korea | 521,732 | 4.47 | +14.18 |
| 4 | Japan | 487,332 | 4.17 | +3.34 |
| 5 | Lao PDR. | 448,989 | 3.84 | +25.46 |
| 6 | Russia | 443,346 | 3.80 | +15.25 |
| 7 | United Kingdom | 369,671 | 3.16 | +10.12 |
| 8 | India | 351,869 | 3.01 | +11.22 |
| 9 | Germany | 345,095 | 2.95 | +8.33 |
| 10 | USA | 337,243 | 2.89 | +14.26 |
Remark: Preliminary figures
Source: Immigration Office and Department of Tourism, Ministry of Tourism and Sports
Tourism
Covid-19 and the Thailand Tourism Sector
Thailand has recorded 58 deaths so far and 3,129 confirmed cases and has been gradually easing restrictions in an effort to revive its economy after appearing to contain the virus.
The tourist sector comprises a significant part of the Thai economy. It provides one in six job opportunities and accounts for approximately 13-14% of the country’s economy.
(more…)Politics
How China is using tourism for geopolitical goals
The Chinese government has a degree of leverage over its tourists that other governments do not enjoy. Many Chinese tourists are new to international tourism and have limited international language abilities
Decades of astonishing economic growth have given China new tools for extending its influence abroad and achieving its political goals.
(more…)Banking
China’s Alipay mobile payment platform and TAT sign letter of intent
Alipay is the world’s largest mobile and online payment platform operated by Ant Financial Services Group, with over 900 million members.
Bangkok, 27 May 2019 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and Alipay (Hangzhou) Information Technology Co., Ltd. today signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) to form a long-term strategic partnership that offers Chinese tourists more product and service options while visiting the Kingdom.
(more…)- Lingang New Area in Shanghai Opens First Cross-Border Data Service Center to Streamline Data Export Process
- A Concise Guide to the Verification Letter of Invitation Requirement in the China Visa Process
- Uyghurs remember 1990 Baren Uprising over China’s forced abortions
- New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme Launched in Hong Kong
- A Timeline of US-China Relations during the Biden Administration
- Taiwan accelerates recovery efforts after worst quake in 25 years
