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Published on August 28, 2007

China has been one of the fastest-growing markets in terms of visitor arrivals to Thailand in the last few years. However, arrivals decreased in the first half of this year, and the road show is designed to reverse that decline by providing the necessary assurances to the Chinese travel trade and introducing new products and services.

TAT governor Phornsiri Manoharn and Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn, the newly

elected chairman of the Thai-China Tour Operators' Association, have discussed ways of boosting quality tour packages from China.

These special packages include main attractions, sightseeing spots, shopping opportunities and other services designed to enhance the satisfaction levels of Chinese visitors and help them avoid "zero-cost tours".

Phornsiri said China was the fourth-largest source of visitors for Thailand last year, after Malaysia, Japan and South Korea. Visitor arrivals from China passed the

1-million mark for the first time - specifically 1,033,305 - generating tourism revenues of Bt28 billion.

In April, Thailand was voted one of the world's most favourite destinations for Chinese tourists. But in the first half of the year, Chinese visitor arrivals at Suvarnabhumi Airport totalled only 364,642, a decline of 20.41 per cent.

Chinese tour operators selling packages will be provided marketing-promotion information from the TAT and Sisdivachr's association. They will also be given an official seal of approval, so that their products can be clearly distinguished by clients.

Phornsiri said she expected the road show to arrest the decline and give the TAT a chance to reorient the visitor profile towards the high-end market while highlighting quality products and services featured in the new tour packages.

"We're confident that with the full support of the private sector in selling these quality tour packages, the Thai tourism industry will regain the trust of Chinese visitors and create a new market opportunity for Thai tour operators," said Phornsiri.

Thailand and China established diplomatic relations in 1975. Two-way trade grew 30 per cent to US$13.9 billion (Bt478 billion) between January and August this year, and Chinese investments in Thailand tripled to $200 million.

The Nation