Chinese arrivals to dip below 5m

TAT, provincial governments to promote tourism

- MOLPASORN SHOOWONG

Despite flight subsidies and incentive group stimulus, the number of Chinese tourist arrivals this year is expected to plunge below 5 million, significantly lower than the 6.7 million recorded last year, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).

Pattaraanong Na Chiangmai, deputy governor of international marketing for Asia and South Pacific at TAT, said the government's stimulus package worth 750 million baht should help drive Chinese arrivals to 5 million.

She said travel agents have started to submit plans to operate chartered flights, which should start in August.

"We're examining both tour prices and itineraries to ensure they are high-quality," said Ms Pattaraanong.

Chuwit Sirivejkul, executive director of the East Asia region at TAT, said the agency is working directly with the provincial governments in China to promote tourism between the two countries.