File photo for reference only

 

Thailand anticipates a decrease in Chinese tourists during the Chinese eight-day Golden Week holiday, expecting around 200,000 visitors. This marks a 24% drop from the previous year, with projected revenue declining 17% to 9.1 billion baht. While overall outbound travel from China has increased, factors such as safety concerns seem to be impacting Thailand's appeal.

 

Earlier this year, outbound bookings for the Golden Week surged by 28% compared to last year, with international seat capacity rising 10% for both short- and long-haul flights. This growth is attributed to visa-free entries in many countries and the weaker yen. Japan remains a top destination, with significant increases in travelers to Osaka and Tokyo.

 

Southeast Asian cities such as Ho Chi Minh City and Kuala Lumpur saw notable upticks in Chinese tourists, while no Thai destination made the top ten. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, noted that despite visa exemptions encouraging family travel, numbers haven't met expectations due to competition from countries like Japan, where travel costs have decreased.

 

The lengthier Golden Week this year has prompted more Chinese tourists to explore Europe, with countries like France and Switzerland seeing a 110% rise in Chinese tour groups. South Africa also benefited, recording a 30% increase. Some travelers chose South Korea, which introduced visa-free privileges for tour groups.

 

Despite the decline, Chinese tourists in Thailand are expected to stay for 6-8 nights and spend about 6,600 baht daily. Thailand anticipates 30 chartered flights from second-tier Chinese cities, supported by the government’s subsidy campaign. Popular departure cities include Beijing, Guangzhou, and Chengdu, contributing to a 5% rise in seat bookings.

 

Key Takeaways

• Thailand expects 200,000 Chinese tourists this Golden Week, a 24% decrease.
• Competitive travel costs and safety concerns shift travelers to Japan.
• Longer holiday period sees increased Chinese tourism to Europe and South Africa.

 

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-10-01

 

 

Not good news for Thai tourism, I expect it would be a welcome shot in the arm during low season.

 

I note Japan mentioned as a popular destination. I made a schoolboy error last year and visited Japan during China's Golden Week.

Tourist areas were crowded, car rental and room prices were through the roof, and that's if my preferred hotels were even available.

Once bitten, twice shy and this year I will arrive a few days after the masses have hopefully departed !

51 minutes ago, snoop1130 said:

This marks a 24% drop from the previous year, with projected revenue declining 17% to 9.1 billion baht.

 

I'm always amazed how they come up with such numbers. Do they draw them out of a hat? '24% drop in tourists and a 17% drop in revenue'... Why not the other way round? 😆 

And this golden week starts today?

15 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Thailand anticipates a decrease in Chinese tourists during the Chinese eight-day Golden Week holiday, expecting around 200,000 visitors. This marks a 24% drop from the previous year, with projected revenue declining 17% to 9.1 billion baht. While overall outbound travel from China has increased, factors such as safety concerns seem to be impacting Thailand's appeal.

So provide something that will entice them to come... more than just a shrimp buffet and cheap souvenir shops

16 hours ago, KhunBENQ said:

And this golden week starts today?

Officially yes 1st October and runs to 8th but some obviously get a jump as both yesterday and the day before saw hordes of them at a hot pot buffet with coaches blocking the road as they tried to park up - not seen/experienced since earlier this year.

Well, if they hadn’t booked far in advance then of course they are going to go where their money goes further and they are welcome. The good old days are gone. Feel sorry for the businesses, but Thailand has done this to themselves. 

What a moron. The guy got it as. - backwards. The scammers and crooks won't be deterred by visa requirements, they know how to evade scrutiny. 

Some quality/big spenders, the tourists that stay for a short time and spend a lot, might say to themselves visa application just for a week, can't be bothered, let's go somewhere else. 

 

Looks like the all-you-can-eat buffets will survive.

GUTTED I  do love a Chinese tourist