Chiang Mai’s Tourism Hit by Slump in Chinese Visitors Despite Visa Exemption

[webfact]

 

Chiang Mai—On October 21st, 2023, Chiang Mai local media sources reported the unsatisfied aftermath of visa exemptions since late September for Chinese tourists which was one of the Thai government’s policies to attract foreign tourists to visit Thailand.

 

Chiang Mai is one of the most popular Thailand destinations from around the world, however, statistical results showed otherwise, the number of incoming Chinese tourists to Chiang Mai was surprisingly low in the last one-month period.

 

According to the statistics on the number of Chinese tourists who visited Chiang Mai, there were 21,568 in August, 12,556 in September, and 7,828 between October 1-15.

 

By Kittisak Phalaharn

 

Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2023-10-23

 

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[2baht]

3 hours ago, webfact said:

the unsatisfied aftermath of visa exemptions since late September for Chinese tourists

Just missed with that one! The Centre of the Universe has moved!

[Foek]

Word to TAT and all other clowns , September and October are low seasons months , so are May and June .

[arithai12]

I like the current numbers, Chinese or otherwise. Enough, not too many. Anyway, the economy is not exactly shining anywhere and this is still low season. And please keep the airport closed 00-06 hrs.

[hotchilli]

4 hours ago, webfact said:

Chiang Mai local media sources reported the unsatisfied aftermath of visa exemptions since late September for Chinese tourists which was one of the Thai government’s policies to attract foreign tourists to visit Thailand.

Not much of an attraction... CM needs to re-invent itself.

Becoming a tired worn-out city, with air-pollution issues most of the time

[Srikcir]

"In 2019, the number of outbound tourists from China reached nearly 155 million, almost three times as many as 2010. However, the number of outbound tourists from China dropped to around 20.3 million in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic and was estimated to increase slightly in 2021. Once all border restrictions in China were canceled, more than 40 million Chinese travelers went abroad in the first six months of 2023."

Just based on a natural progression and caution by the Chibese government, Chinese outbound tourism will require several years more before reaching the 2019 level. Which means the same for Thailand destinations. Thailand's hype is wishful desire.

[Stargeezr]

How about, schools are back on and people with kids cannot go on holidays.

Maybe it is still rainy season, or low season but TAT is forgetting about that.

[Dcheech]

On 10/23/2023 at 3:05 AM, webfact said:

and 7,828 between October 1-15.

 

 

Chiang Mai & Thailand were counting on the free visa to make for a good 'golden week' of Chinese visitors. That did not work so well.

[Thailand]

In about four weeks Chiang Mai will start to be inundated with golfers from Korea and Japan and that will carry on through to end of February. Some will be paying over 6,000 baht for a round including caddy fee and cart at the more expensive courses. But most courses from expensive to inexpensive will be full. 

That is a good start for the high season?