Agents upbeat on Chinese market

Chinese tourist arrivals have already passed their low point, and tour agents are showing renewed confidence in Thailand despite safety concerns fuelled by border conflicts and a recent market shooting, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).

- BOONSONG LIPIMAS

TAT governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool said while concerns persist, the situation is showing signs of improvement as Chinese visitor arrivals appear to have passed their nadir.

Earlier this year, Chinese arrivals plunged to 5,600 per day, which marked the lowest point, said Ms Thapanee.

The Association of Thai Travel Agents (Atta) and TAT are holding a roadshow this week in Chongqing, Lanzhou and Hangzhou, China.

More than 50 Thai tourism operators are participating in business matching and promotional sessions with around 1,000 Chinese tour operators, hoping to lift travel confidence and stimulate chartered flight bookings to both main and second-tier cities in Thailand via the government's subsidy programme.

Speaking at the China roadshow, Ms Thapanee said arrivals now average 13,000-15,000 per day, still below the pre-pandemic level of 30,000, but improving steadily.