Tourism Thailand Launches "Hello, Ni Hao" Campaign to Attract Chinese Tourists

[snoop1130]

Photo courtesy of Thai PBS World

 

Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong has introduced the "Hello, Ni Hao" initiative, a robust strategy aimed at revitalising Thailand's appeal among Chinese tourists. Starting this month, the campaign will welcome over 300 Chinese media professionals and influencers to visit and promote Thailand’s diverse attractions via social media and press outlets.

 

"This campaign is about rebuilding confidence and reshaping perceptions among Chinese travellers," Sorawong explained, eager to rejuvenate a once-dominant market for Thai tourism. Despite a slight dip in Chinese visitor numbers, tourism revenue rose to 952 billion baht between January 1 and April 28—a 4.73% increase from last year—buoyed by long-haul visitors from Europe and the USA. However, Sorawong stressed that reigniting interest among Chinese tourists remains a top priority.

 

As a step towards this goal, the ministry plans to engage with the Chinese ambassador and potentially invite the Chinese tourism minister to Thailand, focusing on restoring the country's image and addressing misinformation. False narratives, like the untrue reports of organ trafficking in Pattaya, have tarnished Thailand’s safety reputation, prompting the need for swift governmental rebuttals.

 

Sorawong reiterated the government's promise to crack down on transnational crime and the "grey capital" associated with illegal Chinese businesses operating locally. Enhancements to security include the new online TM6 system by Thai Immigration, aimed at efficiently screening high-risk travellers and streamlining border entry processes.

 

Moreover, the campaign will align new key performance indicators for tourism, focusing not only on tourist numbers but also on spending per visitor, particularly targeting affluent Chinese travellers. A parallel domestic tourism stimulus plan is also under consideration, set to be submitted for Cabinet approval soon, part of a comprehensive strategy to boost both inbound and domestic travel throughout the year.

 

With precise measures and international collaborations, Thailand hopes this initiative will significantly contribute to restoring the nation's stature as a vibrant, secure, and welcoming destination for Chinese tourists and beyond.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-05-06

 

 

[JoePai]

But 3 posts  above this one they are saying there are too many ?

 

Can't even get their stories straight   😎

[yang123]

1.  Relie Huanying (Warmly Welcome) might be a better slogan for the campaign.

 

2.  Presumably the Xinjiang Tourism Board will be part of the Chinese side of the deal?

[Selatan]

China tourists and students have a safer option with no language barriers:

 

Tourist arrivals from China to Malaysia up 130.9 per cent last year

 

The number of students from China applying to study in Malaysian universities grew by 25% last year

 

 

[NoDisplayName]

2 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

the "Hello, Ni Hao" initiative, a robust strategy aimed at revitalising Thailand's appeal among Chinese tourists.

 

Hello.

Ni Hao.

No kidnap, we promise.

[MarkBR]

So many probems could be solved by getting the police to do police things without favour.  Then Thailand would be safer & welcoming to tourists.

[KireB]

If I  say 'ni hao' to a Thai instead of Chinese, I might get deported.

[thesetat]

15 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

addressing misinformation. False narratives,

They do this by creating new false narratives. What about the story with the man who got so upset when a foreigner said Ni Hoa to him? Those types of stories tend to hit a soft spot to a Chinese person haha... 

Am sorry to be. a naysayer in this but Thailand has a lot to learn and change if they want to try using their past problems saying it was fake news. Chinese social media is a lot more active than even in the US. Word spreads and people take advice from their social media more there. So anything Thailand says goes into the trash bin. 

[baansgr]

But can't you be deported for saying that?.. apparently the half sweaty sock reckons you can

[hotchilli]

15 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong has introduced the "Hello, Ni Hao" initiative, a robust strategy aimed at revitalising Thailand's appeal among Chinese tourists.

Maybe TAT should watch a news channel on TV.. China is going through a rough patch right now.

Holidays are not on a priority list.

[jcmj]

Just throwing millions of Baht down the drain. Ignorance is in full play here. 

[lordblackader]

The woke former National Park employee is going to have a meltdown. 

[LittleBear57]

Many Chinese are not traveling anywhere due to the downturn in their economy or the confidence in it.

I was told to expect thousands everywhere in Vietnam hardly saw any. Mostly European and American, but the biggest amount for one single country was India.