Thailand has once again become a popular destination for Chinese tourists during the National Day Holiday due to the gradual political stabilization in their country and a new three month visa-free entry policy for Chinese nationals.
Data from Bangkok International Suvarnabhumi Airport show that from the 1st to the 7th of October they received approximately 147 thousand trips from Chinese nationals.
The airport is working with the Immigration Bureau of Thailand and the Tourism Authority of Thailand to provide the best service to Chinese tourists. The airport has many signs in Chinese and the Tourism Bureau of Thailand is increasing Chinese speaking volunteers at popular tourist spots.
Chinese tourism has become a key factor in the financial recovery of Thailand after the country’s political unrest during the end of 2013. According to stats from the Tourism Bureau of Thailand 90% of hotels in the country report higher occupancy by Chinese nationals during this year’s National Day Holiday than in the same period last year.
In 2012 Chinese nationals made 2.7 million trips to Thailand making them the largest nationality group of visitors. In 2013 the number of Chinese visitor trips reached a peak of 4.7 million trips. Although growth in Thailand’s tourism slowed in the beginning of the year due to political unrest in their country, some experts anticipate that the number of Chinese visitors coming to Thailand will rise 10% from last year’s numbers by looking at the present trend.(Translation by David)
