Thailand Anticipates Tourist Surge from China in May

[webfact]

Picture courtesy of Xinhua

 

As Thailand eyes a potential upswing in tourist arrivals from China this coming May, hopes hinge on the five-day Labour Day holiday. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is cautiously optimistic, despite a noticeable dip in Chinese visitors earlier this year, attributed to lingering economic woes and safety concerns.

 

Pattaraanong Na Chiangmai, TAT's deputy governor for international marketing in Asia and the South Pacific, has noted that the current hesitancy among Chinese tourists is partly due to such concerns. A reduction in flights, particularly from China's secondary cities, has further compounded the issue.

 

During the year's first two months, Thailand welcomed 1 million Chinese tourists, marking a dropdown of 12% compared to the 1.18 million visitors during the same period last year. February witnessed a stark 45% decline year-on-year, partly due to the Chinese New Year occurring in January.

 

Nevertheless, TAT reports a gradual recovery in travel sentiment among Chinese tourists. Should unforeseen events not disrupt this trend, May promises a revival, boosted by China's Labour Day holiday. Early booking patterns signal a positive trajectory.

Yet, challenges remain. China's economic sluggishness, evidenced by a recent dip in the consumer price index, poses a potential threat. However, Ms Pattaraanong suggests that while budget travelers might reconsider, those with more substantial spending capabilities continue to travel, often favouring destinations like Phuket's high-end hotels.

 

To counter current challenges, TAT is actively collaborating with partners such as Trip.com, Qunar, Alipay, and AirAsia, launching various promotional campaigns. Further, a roadshow in Xiamen, Wuhan, and Chengdu is slated to boost travel confidence, especially in China's secondary markets.

 

Promotional efforts extend beyond Chinese tourists. April's strategy includes special offers like discounts on car rentals, spas, and dining options for all foreign visitors.

 

Despite these plans, Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun, president of the Thai Hotels Association (THA), acknowledges the broader impact of China's economic environment. While affluent Chinese travellers continue their overseas sojourns, many are now opting for destinations like Japan, thus shifting Thailand’s traditional lure.

 

In response, Thai tourism's immediate focus shifts to ensuring travel safety and enhancing overall tourist experiences. According to the THA's sentiment index, hotels across Thailand maintained a 77% occupancy rate in February, a figure expected to moderate to 65% this month. With bolstered travel initiatives, Thailand remains hopeful for a rebound come May, reported Bangkok Post.

 

-- 2025-03-11

 

 

[Presnock]

6 minutes ago, webfact said:

Picture courtesy of Xinhua

 

As Thailand eyes a potential upswing in tourist arrivals from China this coming May, hopes hinge on the five-day Labour Day holiday. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is cautiously optimistic, despite a noticeable dip in Chinese visitors earlier this year, attributed to lingering economic woes and safety concerns.

 

Pattaraanong Na Chiangmai, TAT's deputy governor for international marketing in Asia and the South Pacific, has noted that the current hesitancy among Chinese tourists is partly due to such concerns. A reduction in flights, particularly from China's secondary cities, has further compounded the issue.

 

During the year's first two months, Thailand welcomed 1 million Chinese tourists, marking a dropdown of 12% compared to the 1.18 million visitors during the same period last year. February witnessed a stark 45% decline year-on-year, partly due to the Chinese New Year occurring in January.

 

Nevertheless, TAT reports a gradual recovery in travel sentiment among Chinese tourists. Should unforeseen events not disrupt this trend, May promises a revival, boosted by China's Labour Day holiday. Early booking patterns signal a positive trajectory.

 

Yet, challenges remain. China's economic sluggishness, evidenced by a recent dip in the consumer price index, poses a potential threat. However, Ms Pattaraanong suggests that while budget travelers might reconsider, those with more substantial spending capabilities continue to travel, often favouring destinations like Phuket's high-end hotels.

 

To counter current challenges, TAT is actively collaborating with partners such as Trip.com, Qunar, Alipay, and AirAsia, launching various promotional campaigns. Further, a roadshow in Xiamen, Wuhan, and Chengdu is slated to boost travel confidence, especially in China's secondary markets.

 

Promotional efforts extend beyond Chinese tourists. April's strategy includes special offers like discounts on car rentals, spas, and dining options for all foreign visitors.

 

Despite these plans, Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun, president of the Thai Hotels Association (THA), acknowledges the broader impact of China's economic environment. While affluent Chinese travellers continue their overseas sojourns, many are now opting for destinations like Japan, thus shifting Thailand’s traditional lure.

 

In response, Thai tourism's immediate focus shifts to ensuring travel safety and enhancing overall tourist experiences. According to the THA's sentiment index, hotels across Thailand maintained a 77% occupancy rate in February, a figure expected to moderate to 65% this month. With bolstered travel initiatives, Thailand remains hopeful for a rebound come May, reported Bangkok Post.

 

-- 2025-03-11

 

 

Hoping for payback for the return of the Muslims! IMHO anyway.  Outgoing and incoming traffic in China totally controlled by the govt. IMO

[smedly]

8 minutes ago, webfact said:

Thailand eyes a potential upswing in tourist arrivals from China this coming May

Vietnam might have something to say about that

[Artisi]

Based on what, crystal ball? 

[Aussie999]

How does TAT justify their belief, is there any historical evidence, that show's the May Labour holidays bring in substantial increase in Chinese tourists.

[BillyBid]

Good to know.  I'm glad I'm leaving in April.

[JimHuaHin]

A big surge, a little surge, or a negative surge?

[NE1]

TAT boys and girls Justifying their jobs .

Positive figures for their bosses to read about.

[ikke1959]

The cannabis shops are closed and all the stock went to TAT??? Always seeing pink elephants .... but never hear the truth from them... 

[HappyExpat57]

Weren't they projecting just last week Chinese tourists were NOT coming to Thailand?

[Karma80]

If you throw enough made up <deleted> against a wall, some of it will stick.

[StayinThailand2much]

The five-day tourists from disease-stricken and economically crashed China... 😆 

[tomazbodner]

My colleague from China sent me a photo of blown up government building in Sungai Kolok and asked me if I was OK... thinking that happened in Bangkok.

 

That images went all over Chinese media. So I have a bit of doubt TAT's optimism is justified.