Tourism Authority Of Thailand Targets Affluent Chinese Visitors

[george]

Tourism Authority of Thailand targets Affluent Chinese Visitors

BANGKOK: -- The Tourism Authority of Thailand has launched a new campaign called ‘Wonderful Thailand 2008’, which targets high-spending Chinese tourists to the Kingdom. Select Chinese media have been invited to experience the high-end tourism offerings and attractions of Thailand in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket, with the hope that these invited visitors will spread the news about Thailand’s top class tourism offerings to more affluent Chinese visitors back home.

The campaign, with support from Thai Airways International and TAT's Beijing Office, showcases Thailand’s top quality tourism products and services. Invited press members will have a chance to spend their nights in five-star hotels in Bangkok and experience boutique resorts and qualified tourism offerings and tailor-made products in Phuket and Chiang Mai, including spas and other health care and health-related products and services.

According to TAT’s Governor, Mrs. Phornsiri Manoharn, TAT is trying to eradicate low-priced package tours from China, and has come up with new initiatives to attract higher spending Chinese visitors to Thailand. There are currently 50 travel agencies in China recommended by TAT for tourists to arrange their trips.

“It might sound very controlled but we really need to maintain our standards,” said Mrs. Phornsiri Manoharn, TAT’s Governor, revealing that each package tour for high-spending tourists that these operators organize cost 9,000 Chinese Yuan or around 50,000 Baht, and these tourists will tend to spend more during their stays.

As soaring oil prices create an impact on the travel industry in general, possibly hurting the longer-haul markets, TAT has turned more of its attention to nearby Asian markets.

Ms. Eumporn Jiragalwisul , TAT’s Director, East Asia Market Division, said, “After a series of meetings with local land operators and China’s tour operators, the zero-dollar tour problem has been fully addressed and the situation is improving. Meanwhile, TAT is specifically emphasizing on promoting Thailand in the Chinese market.”

In March this year, a mega-familiarization trip was organised and invited operators had a chance to experience new travel routes to offer to their clients. In June, to tap the potential of China’s second most populous province, TAT signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Shandong Provincial Tourism Administration (SPTA) to work within a framework of friendship and closer tourism co-operation.

Last year, Chinese visitors to Thailand reached over a million for the first time, making it the fourth largest Asian market after Malaysia, Japan and Korea. The first five months of 2008, 20 years after Thailand was first promoted in China in 1988, has already confirmed some substantial growth from the market. While TAT aims high for quality visitors, it also expects tourists from Mainland China to surpass all countries and become the largest market for Thailand within three years.

The number of repeat visitors from China is also improving from only 20% many years ago, compared to 80% from the European market, to a satisfactory 40% currently. An increase of 50% is likely to happen by 2009.

-- Asia Travel Tips 2008-07-28

[Boater]

according to research, over 45 Million Chinesse Tourists left china last year, so Thailand really needs to get a higher number then 500,000

[Scott]

I thought it was a million?

At any rate, it's a good place to target, although I can't say they are going to do anything special for the country.

[realitymanagement]

The legalized gambling should help...

[cloudhopper]

Tourism Authority of Thailand targets Affluent Chinese Visitors

According to TAT’s Governor, Mrs. Phornsiri Manoharn, TAT is trying to eradicate low-priced package tours from China,

Insects!

“It might sound very controlled but we really need to maintain our standards,” said Mrs. Phornsiri Manoharn, TAT’s Governor,

Great job so far...

[wrecker]

The legalized gambling should help...

Absolutely spot on! but the PAD boys will come after anyone who tries to improve the standard of living of ordinary Thais. Being it the 3 digit lottery, being it the listing of beer Chang on the stock exchange or opening casino's. Their friends do not accept competition, now it flows into the pockets of certain people and if a university lecturer publishes the figures of the money trail of our upstanding friends, he is no longer able to keep on living in Thailand.

[pjallittle]

I thought it was a million?

At any rate, it's a good place to target, although I can't say they are going to do anything special for the country.

The "special" is the large infusion of dollars that they bring into the Thai economy which trickles down in the form of employment, etc. This is really quite a significant development. We were very pleased with the Thai Tourism people, they are among the better in any country we've visited.

Some of you at ThaiVisa ought to consider packaging programs that might appeal to the next level down of the less affluent Chinese, you'd make a real killing. There's a huge market there just waiting for their place in the queue.

Lots of 3 & 4 star hotels would welcome the business. It's a golden opportunity for you guys to think about.

[amigoro]

In other news:

Tuktuk Drivers in Thailand Targets Affluent Western Visitors

[grantbkk]

This press release is nothing more than the TAT trying to justify its pitiful existence. It outlines nothing new and mentions only that these new "targeted tourists" will have to spend more money for hotels and spas. How exactly did they eradicate the low cost package tours?

This is nothing more than a puff piece that was written because it was TAT's turn to release something to the media. It is what the government thinks justifies funding all of these ministries and agencies. "Wonderful Thailand 2008" is at least a change from last century's "Amazing Thailand".

I've noticed that the Chinese don't usually pick travel destinations that have economic and political problems that may have a direct effect on their personal safety. After the last coup the only thing the Chinese were buying the next day were an overpriced air tickets out of here.

[stepenwolf1958]

Speaking about invitation to Chineese -I guess it would be better to call TRIADS to make some"business" here.May be on the North?

Same way,if they are REALLY considering image they are spreading all around,how about to rethink about recently mess they made about teaching license(as so many people are leaving Thailand)?

I think that would be better to think and care for people who are already living here(westerners),about the people who are supporting many Thai families here,in so many ways.It would be better to do then to make all as they want to get rid of us(westerners).

Or,there is a message between the lines?

[Sigi]

Great news for Pattaya!

[cloudhopper]

Great news for Pattaya!

Which is conspicuously absent from the itinerary for obvious reasons....

[sangfroid]

Thailand had a very good flow of tourists from China, but as is not unusual Thais shot themselves in the foot. Incoming figures slumped dramatically because of this sort of thing.

http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Southeast_Asia/GG14Ae01.html

Edited July 28, 2008 by sangfroid

[oevna]

The following two statements seem to be at odds with each other:

...

According to TATs Governor, Mrs. Phornsiri Manoharn, TAT is trying to eradicate low-priced package tours from China...

An increase of 50% is likely to happen by 2009.

TAT wants to tell the Chinese that they are raising the prices, and expects the number of tourists to increase 50% by 2009? I'm missing something.

[grantbkk]

The following two statements seem to be at odds with each other:

...

According to TATs Governor, Mrs. Phornsiri Manoharn, TAT is trying to eradicate low-priced package tours from China...

An increase of 50% is likely to happen by 2009.

TAT wants to tell the Chinese that they are raising the prices, and expects the number of tourists to increase 50% by 2009? I'm missing something.

TAT just is required to churn this stuff out in a feeble attempt to obtain positive spin. We all should view numbers from the TAT and other government groups as suspect. You have to admit though all Thai press releases are from optimistic dreamers. The only other explanation is that they think the public is stupid.

[sriracha john]

So the government is finally making progress in going after the 45 million high-rollers that will prop up the entire economy... I just knew their sound policies would come through...

PPP airs economic platform

<snipped>

In regard to the roadmap to boost revenues, it pins hopes on increasing tourist arrivals to finance mega projects instead of raising taxes.

Based on the capacity of Suvarnabhumi Airport, tourist arrivals should rise from 11 million per year to 45 million with a projected annual revenue of 1.5 Trillion Baht to fill government coffers.

If elected to lead the next government, the PPP will implement many projects to attract foreign visitors within one year.

- The Nation / Nov. 16, 2007

[cmiuc]

What should be the title, "TAT conning Affluent Chinese Tourists out of their Yuans"

Spend so much pumping up this is wonderfuk, beautiful, unseen, Thailand...

When you look around it looks a garbage dump, no wild life, deforestation, muddy and non-summable rivers and inlets...

Gambling...Macao has the largest Gambling Casino in the world... and exotic too...

With the summer olympics coming in a few weeks, I don't think Chinese are wanting to go out so much as they want to show off their "Unseen, Wonderful, fastest train in the world China"...

Also isn't Vietnam their paradise?

a satang for my thoughts...

Edited July 28, 2008 by cmiuc

[jaapfries]

Great news for Pattaya!

Which is conspicuously absent from the itinerary for obvious reasons....

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hey there "Cloud-Hopper", I never knew you were just another "Pattaya-Basher"; well I've been here some 18 years and I still truly appreciate the magnificent infra-structure on offer here. I even daresay that it is un-equaled in the Kingdom. True; traffic is getting more and more congested; true - motorcycle drivers could drive one crazy (believe in Kharma: problem solved) and true; petty criminals are havig a hay-day here,currently.

However; all-in-all, Pattaya offers a combination of facilities that are unique and great !

As far as Chinese Visitors to this city; please don't overlook the fact that all Chinese come from China; there are also vast contingents of Taiwanese, Korean and H.K.- Chinese visiting Pattaya on a daily basis. The last number I was quoted (very reliable source) was an avarage of 3,000 per diem.

So before patronizing this great city of Pattaya - get your facts straight, okay ?

J.G.K.

Pattaya

[cloudhopper]

Hey there "Cloud-Hopper", I never knew you were just another "Pattaya-Basher"

Well Jaap I guess that's what I do all right when I'm not bashing the bureaucracy here, or anyone who would live in condos or in Phuket of their own free will.

At least when the left brain is in charge. The right brain says sorry and asks for understanding and forgiveness from all you bashees out there...

[gbswales]

Great news for Pattaya!

Which is conspicuously absent from the itinerary for obvious reasons....

Well there is a huge but very repressed gay sub-culture in China so leaving Pattaya off the list might not have been a good choice. Before anyone flames me I am not suggesting that Pattaya is a totally gay resort or that that is all it offers - nor am I suggesting that the sex industry should be the thing that draws people. Visitors coming from a highly repressed society might welcome the opportunity to experience being able to be comfortable and open with their sexuality.

Pattaya has a lot to offer being to Thailand rather like a much smaller scale version of what Hong Kong is to mainland China

[CHIEFOFFICER]

What about the rest of Thailand there is more than jjust the big citys

[john b good]

If thailand want increase their tourist income,

They should serve wealthy tourists !

Insects with malaria already enough in the country;

Heve you been ever in a museum when a chinese

insect quadre swormed in ??

You cant watch or listen anything more,

you have too leave !!

So if you bring millons of them,

other worthy millions will leave !!

Maybe some one can figure out what yer trying to say but as sure as shytin I can't

[Lancashirelad]

tourist arrivals should rise from 11 million per year to 45 million

Join the queue (line) for immigration as you walk up the air bridge off the aircraft!

[LaoPo]

I've read a lot of nonsense answers so far...not all of them though.

FACTS:

1. China tourists to Thailand: 2007: 1.003.141 = 6,94% 2006: 1.033.305 = 7,48% -2,92% 2007 versus 2006; %'s are of total Thai inbound tourism.

2. More than 60% or 8.666.779 tourists of total Thai inbound tourism comes from South and East Asia.

Europe counts for 25,51% or 3.689.770 tourists.

The Americas count for 5,65% or 817.564 tourists

Oceania counts for 5,06% or 731.283 tourists

Middle East counts for 3,14% or 453.891 tourists

Africa counts for 0,73% or 104.941 tourists

All numbers and %'s are from TAT.

3. China had 40,96 Million OUTBOUND tourists in 2007; however the vast majority of the 36,3 Million tourists to Asian destinations went to Hong Kong and Macao.

Of the total of 40,96% a mere 2 million went to Europe and just 1 million to the USA.

Border crossings of Mainland Chinese citizens to other Asian countries increased in 2007 compared to 2006 by 20%, most of these trips terminating in Hong Kong and Macao.

Outbound tourism to Non-Asian destinations increased by 10%, with the less popular destinations Africa and Oceania catching up with double-digit growth rates against the more popular destinations Americas and Europe, which register high single-digit growth rates.

Asia amounts for more than 90% of all border crossings, the total number of non-Asian travels is still below 4 million travels.

From: http://www.china-outbound.com/

Thailand should be happy with their 1 Million+ share of Chinese outbound tourists and I doubt VERY MUCH that this number will increase with 50% (or 1,5 Million) in 2009 also due to the declining (growth) economy, worldwide, but also in China.

I really can't believe the absurd nonsense some posters wrote here. What rights do they think they have -as a farang- judging about other tourists from other -Asian- countries ?

It might come as a surprise to some of you but the 60%+ Asian tourists (8,6 Million) to Thailand will increase substantially over the next decades; you better be friendly to those Asian tourists as the number of Farang will decline...sharp !

BTW: did some of you realize Thailand is also in Asia ?

LaoPo

[hansnl]

I've read a lot of nonsense answers so far...not all of them though.

FACTS:

1. China tourists to Thailand: 2007: 1.003.141 = 6,94% 2006: 1.033.305 = 7,48% -2,92% 2007 versus 2006; %'s are of total Thai inbound tourism.

2. More than 60% or 8.666.779 tourists of total Thai inbound tourism comes from South and East Asia.

Europe counts for 25,51% or 3.689.770 tourists.

The Americas count for 5,65% or 817.564 tourists

Oceania counts for 5,06% or 731.283 tourists

Middle East counts for 3,14% or 453.891 tourists

Africa counts for 0,73% or 104.941 tourists

All numbers and %'s are from TAT.

3. China had 40,96 Million OUTBOUND tourists in 2007; however the vast majority of the 36,3 Million tourists to Asian destinations went to Hong Kong and Macao.

Of the total of 40,96% a mere 2 million went to Europe and just 1 million to the USA.

Border crossings of Mainland Chinese citizens to other Asian countries increased in 2007 compared to 2006 by 20%, most of these trips terminating in Hong Kong and Macao.

Outbound tourism to Non-Asian destinations increased by 10%, with the less popular destinations Africa and Oceania catching up with double-digit growth rates against the more popular destinations Americas and Europe, which register high single-digit growth rates.

Asia amounts for more than 90% of all border crossings, the total number of non-Asian travels is still below 4 million travels.

From: http://www.china-outbound.com/

Thailand should be happy with their 1 Million+ share of Chinese outbound tourists and I doubt VERY MUCH that this number will increase with 50% (or 1,5 Million) in 2009 also due to the declining (growth) economy, worldwide, but also in China.

I really can't believe the absurd nonsense some posters wrote here. What rights do they think they have -as a farang- judging about other tourists from other -Asian- countries ?

It might come as a surprise to some of you but the 60%+ Asian tourists (8,6 Million) to Thailand will increase substantially over the next decades; you better be friendly to those Asian tourists as the number of Farang will decline...sharp !

BTW: did some of you realize Thailand is also in Asia ?

LaoPo

It is really not only the number of tourists, but most important, the amount of money each tourist will spend.

Now, why the tourist board want less package holidays and more affluent tourists.

Anybody wants to extend the number game?

For example:

25% farang spend x-amount of money= y-amount of money per farang;

Now, what are the numbers for asian tourists for the Chinese and other Asian tourists

Also important, how many days tourists will stay, and how much money will be spent per day?

For example, Disneyland in the US, no problem

Disneyland in Europe, problems all over, because the Europeans have more holidays, and spend less money per day.

I do think that Thailand may get problems about the amount of money the Asian tourists will spend per day, and how this money will be distributed.

Gambling, maybe some "social" contacts, hotel occupancy and so on.

Maybe different from the farang?

Of course a lot of Farang will not come back for the obvious reasons, among others the rising cost of flying.

But I guess, there are more reasons in Thailand itself, and I am not talking politics.

Will the Asian tourist accept this?

I really do not know if the change of nationality of the tourists entering Thailand is very important.

What is important is the marketing of Thailand AND the fulfilment of the promises made to tourists.

The problem might become the Asian tourists have different tastes and are less easy to please.

Changing visa rules all the time will not help.

[LaoPo]

It is really not only the number of tourists, but most important, the amount of money each tourist will spend.

Now, why the tourist board want less package holidays and more affluent tourists.

Anybody wants to extend the number game?

For example:

25% farang spend x-amount of money= y-amount of money per farang;

Now, what are the numbers for asian tourists for the Chinese and other Asian tourists

Also important, how many days tourists will stay, and how much money will be spent per day?

For example, Disneyland in the US, no problem

Disneyland in Europe, problems all over, because the Europeans have more holidays, and spend less money per day.

I do think that Thailand may get problems about the amount of money the Asian tourists will spend per day, and how this money will be distributed.

Gambling, maybe some "social" contacts, hotel occupancy and so on.

Maybe different from the farang?

Of course a lot of Farang will not come back for the obvious reasons, among others the rising cost of flying.

But I guess, there are more reasons in Thailand itself, and I am not talking politics.

Will the Asian tourist accept this?

I really do not know if the change of nationality of the tourists entering Thailand is very important.

What is important is the marketing of Thailand AND the fulfilment of the promises made to tourists.

The problem might become the Asian tourists have different tastes and are less easy to please.

Changing visa rules all the time will not help.

All the numbers/questions and answers you can find at TAT:

Table_Summary_2007.xls

from:

http://www2.tat.or.th/stat/web/static_tex.php

You will be surprised that Europeans* spend less/day (Baht 3.789,45/day) than the East Asian tourist.....(Baht 4.269,04/day); South Asians spend even more....

*fortunately your (fellow) countrymen spend Baht 4.060,84/day

That however is still less than the grand total average of Baht 4.120,95/day/tourist expenditure

I might add that Chinese tourists spend more per day than the average European tourist: Baht 4.397,51/day versus Baht 3.789,45.

Honesty forces me to say that Chinese tourists stay a lot shorter in Thailand than Europeans.

Almost 7 days versus 15,26 days for Europeans/average.

Look or details at the TAT website.

LaoPo

Edited July 28, 2008 by LaoPo

[wintermute]

Hehe but Laopo those figures aren't factoring in the "extended" farang tourists who end up giving up their life savings at the end of their little Thai holiday jaunt.

[kauailance]

What should be the title, "TAT conning Affluent Chinese Tourists out of their Yuans"

Spend so much pumping up this is wonderfuk, beautiful, unseen, Thailand...

When you look around it looks a garbage dump, no wild life, deforestation, muddy and non-summable rivers and inlets...

Gambling...Macao has the largest Gambling Casino in the world... and exotic too...

With the summer olympics coming in a few weeks, I don't think Chinese are wanting to go out so much as they want to show off their "Unseen, Wonderful, fastest train in the world China"...

Also isn't Vietnam their paradise?

a satang for my thoughts...

I am in the tourist industry and have seen an increase in Chinese in my home country. Last year I was also in Vietnam and had the displeasure of staying in a resort witha group of Chinese. Although I have seen many westerners misbehaving in Thailand it is nothing compared with the way the Chinese tourist treats the host country when on vacation. Of course not everyone from China acts the same and I am sure there are many charming people that travel from China to the rest of the world. Like my grandfather would say "Whatch what you wish for you might get it"

[dougieboy]

Speaking about invitation to Chineese -I guess it would be better to call TRIADS to make some"business" here.May be on the North?

Same way,if they are REALLY considering image they are spreading all around,how about to rethink about recently mess they made about teaching license(as so many people are leaving Thailand)?

I think that would be better to think and care for people who are already living here(westerners),about the people who are supporting many Thai families here,in so many ways.It would be better to do then to make all as they want to get rid of us(westerners).

Or,there is a message between the lines?

ere ere, at least the Triads of China make themselves known and not hiding under ever more corrupt anti western government legislation.

[Dakhar]

The girls down in Pataya better sharpen their bargaining skills.