Call for cheaper holidays to attract Chinese

With Thailand losing out to Vietnam as the most-visited nation in Southeast Asia among Chinese tourists in the first quarter, the Association of Thai Travel Agents (Atta) has urged the government to offer more competitive prices, noting that Vietnam's travel costs are now 30% lower and it boasts more fresh attractions.

- NARUMON KASEMSUK

In the first quarter, the Tourism and Sports Ministry reported that Thailand received 1.3 million Chinese arrivals, while Vietnam welcomed 1.5 million Chinese tourists, a 178% year-on-year increase according to the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism.

Adith Chairattananon, honorary secretary-general of Atta, said Vietnam has aggressively expanded its markets, focusing on not only China, but also other key markets similar to Thailand, including South Korea, Russia, India and Taiwan.

He said fresh attractions, well-prepared transport, particularly international connections in every tourist city, and cheaper tour packages around 30% less than Thailand are key factors consistently leading to an influx of tourists.

However, the most decisive factor for the Chinese market in particular is that Vietnam does not have the safety issues present in Thailand.