Chinese arrivals in Thailand expected to exceed 10m in 2016

BANGKOK, June 30 (TNA) - The state-run Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) projects that the number of Chinese visitors to the country should exceed 10 million this year. TAT Governor Yuthasak Supasorn made the projection on June 29 and announced a TAT new target to increase Chinese visitors to Thailand to 10 per cent of the total international travellers to the country, from 7 per cent previously. Yuthasak also assessed that Thailand should earn over 500 billion baht from Chinese visitors to the country next year. According to the governor, TAT will attract more quality Chinese tourists to Thailand, particularly those with yearly revenues of about 60,000 US dollars annually, as the group has higher purchasing power, while tourist destinations and hotels in the country are globally-renowned, especially five-star hotels nationwide. The governor acknowledged that he has ordered all five TAT offices in China, including those in Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Kunming and Chongqing, to find out measures to attract more Chinese tourists to Thailand, while also publicising the Thai culture and ways of life to other groups of international tourists. Besides, TAT plans to discuss with concerned agencies on promoting and turning the U-Tapao Airport in Rayong Province to become a commercial airport to serve international visitors to the Thai East. (TNA)