Chinese Tourism to Thailand Rises by 20% Amid Safety Concerns

[webfact]

FILE photo

 

Despite growing safety concerns, Thailand has seen a substantial 20.3% increase in Chinese tourist arrivals year-on-year this past week. This boost underscores the enduring allure of Thailand's diverse attractions even amidst apprehension about certain safety issues that have circulated recently.

 

Tourism and Sports Minister, Sorawong Thienthong, announced that during the week of January 20 to 26, tourist arrivals experienced a 16% growth compared to the same period last year, with the increase driven largely by short-haul visitors.

 

Chinese tourists topped the list, with 178,762 entering the country despite some reports of cancellations. The surge places China ahead of other significant tourist source countries like Malaysia, which saw 95,062 arrivals, Russia with 53,820, South Korea with 51,268, and India with 44,054 visitors.

 

Interestingly, Malaysia and South Korea saw their numbers grow by 21% and 9.84%, respectively, while arrivals from Russia and India showed slight declines.

 

The influx of tourists from these leading markets significantly contributed to the country's tourism recovery, with the total tourist footfall from January 1 to 26 reaching 3.02 million visitors. This marks a 19.3% increase year-on-year, generating approximately 150 billion Thai Baht (£3.3 billion) in revenue.

In response to safety concerns frequently voiced by the Chinese market, the Thai government has taken proactive measures. They are working to heighten security, improve the tourist experience, and increase flight capacity in collaboration with airlines to ensure smoother logistics for incoming visitors.

 

Sorawong emphasised the government's commitment to maintaining Thailand's appeal. Efforts are underway to sustain and bolster tourist confidence, including launching the 'Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year'.

 

This campaign aims to spotlight Thailand's natural beauty, vibrant culture, and thrilling adventures to an international audience. A press conference to further detail these initiatives is scheduled for February 3 at One Bangkok.

 

As Thailand continues to navigate the balance between promoting tourism and addressing safety concerns, these numbers illustrate the resilience and relentless draw of the nation within the global tourism market.

 

The coming months will reveal whether these efforts will placate concerns, allowing Thailand to maintain its standing as a preeminent travel destination for Chinese tourists and others seeking its unique charms, reported Bangkok Post.

 

-- 2025-01-29

 

 

[Xonax]

What an incredible success story!  So this huge increase in Chinese tourists in January could not have anything to do with,  that this year Chinese new year is in January, while last year it was 2 weeks later In February???

[hotchilli]

3 hours ago, webfact said:

This boost underscores the enduring allure of Thailand's diverse attractions

Stop the nonsense please.