Travel Thailand Loses Top Spot to Vietnam for Chinese Tourists: A Call for Action

[snoop1130]

Photo courtesy of Vietnam Economic Times

 

In a recent tourism shake-up, Vietnam has surpassed Thailand as the leading Southeast Asian destination for Chinese tourists in the first quarter of the year. The Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA) has called for urgent government action to lower travel costs and enhance Thailand’s tourism appeal to win back visitors.

 

According to the Tourism and Sports Ministry, Thailand hosted 1.3 million Chinese visitors during this period, while Vietnam welcomed 1.5 million, a significant 178% increase from the previous year, according to the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism.

 

Adith Chairattananon, honorary secretary-general of ATTA, attributed Vietnam's success to its strategic expansion into key markets such as China, South Korea, Russia, India, and Taiwan. Vietnam's allure includes a variety of new attractions, efficient transport networks with strong international connections, and more affordable tour packages, priced about 30% lower than those in Thailand. Additionally, Vietnam does not face the safety concerns that have impacted Thailand's reputation.

 

During a conference with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Adith proposed plans to stimulate the Chinese market in the latter half of the year. These include partnerships with Chinese tour operators to offer discounted packages via charter flights from secondary cities, intending to boost visitor numbers and quell the current decline.

 

While acknowledging concerns over the return of zero-dollar tours, Adith underlined the necessity of sustaining tourist numbers. Thailand must offer competitive pricing and promote safety to regain its position in the Chinese market.

 

 

 

To address the issue of grey businesses, ATTA suggested reducing visa-free stays for Chinese visitors to 15-30 days, to prevent misuse linked to work purposes under visa exemptions and student visas.

 

Furthermore, the association proposed a business roadshow in four Chinese cities—Hangzhou, Nanjing, Chongqing, and Changsha—to rejuvenate interest in Thailand. Chongqing's recent economic growth highlights its potential as a key engagement point.

 

ATTA also recommended inviting state-backed media and national press for a familiarisation trip to Thailand from May 28-31, hoping to rebuild rapport. However, Adith noted that past attempts to leverage key opinion leaders have been ineffective due to their reluctance to address negative perceptions of Thailand.

 

Thailand is now at a pivotal juncture, needing swift and impactful measures to regain its standing among Chinese tourists and counter the growth of its competitors in the region.

 

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-04-24

 

 

 

[JoseThailand]

Let them all go to Vietnam

 

We don't need them here

[ozz1]

The problem is Thailand us so yesterday and with the news about abductions scams in the building industry and corruption  also  vietnam is a cheaper option for the Chinese not that we want them anyway

[Tropicalevo]

With a minimum salary of between 21 and 31 baht an hour as well as a thriving economy, maybe Vietnam is doing a lot of things right.

Lower salaries usually means cheaper costs for transport, accommodation, food etc.

It is where I go for an overseas holiday.

[ikke1959]

Vietnam is welcoming tourists, as Thailand with all the rules and laws is more and more unwelcoming tourists... It starts already by the mostly grumpy immigration, and than the taxi scam to your hotel

[Pouatchee]

ROFl... 

 

Som num na

[blaze master]

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