With the global pandemic having such a dramatic impact on the world’s travel and tourism industry, it’s no surprise that Thailand is hoping to see Chinese tourists return in force. Their return could not come at a better time, as the pandemic has caused a major slump in the country’s much-loved tourist industry.

The importance of Chinese tourists to Thailand

Chinese tourists make up a huge proportion of visitors to Thailand. The country welcomed 10 million Chinese visitors in 2019 and was expecting an even bigger influx for 2020: up to 15 million Chinese visitors this year. However, the arrival of Covid-19 saw the Chinese government’s decision to step up preventative measures, including the complete suspension of outbound group tourism from the country. This, combined with strict entry restrictions, means that the flow of Chinese tourists to Thailand has dropped dramatically.

The impact of the slump in Chinese tourists

The lack of Chinese tourism has been felt acutely in Thailand, where the country’s once-thriving tourism industry has been forced to grind to a halt. The government is now looking to diversify its tourism markets and encourage other groups of visitors, including travelers from Europe and the U.S.

Nevertheless, Chinese tourists remain hugely important to Thailand’s economy. The direct contribution to the Thai economy in 2019 was estimated to be USD 48.3 billion and Chinese tourists account for roughly a quarter of all foreign tourist arrivals and spending.

Thailand’s Tourism Recovery Plan

In the light of the current crisis, Thailand has announced a wide-ranging recovery plan that is targeting top-level customer and government support, as well as more attractive investment and entry visas and easier visa application processes.

The country is also keen to promote itself as a safe tourist destination and has put in place a number of public health measures, including:

• The introduction of rigorous screening measures at airports and ports.

• Strict regulations for international travelers, including holding health insurance and completing an arrival card declaring recent foreign travel history.

• Requiring travelers to submit to a free test for Covid-19, with results issued within 24-hours.

• Adopting stringent public health and safety measures, including the regular Checking Thai health system, which allows restaurant and hotel guests to check the sanitation standards of their lodgings.

• Increasing access to health care including round-the-clock availability of doctors and hospital care

• Improved safety measures, such as increased security patrols.

Thailand’s Accessible Air Travel

Thailand is now striving to provide easier access to the country by air. Such is the demand for easier Air travel that Thailand is offering special discounted flights with many airlines.

This includes:

• Thai Airways: The national carrier of Thailand, offering flights to many domestic and international cities.

• Bangkok Airways: Specializing in short-haul flights to and from Bangkok and Chiang Mai, as well as international service to over a dozen cities in the region.

• Air Asia: An affordable commercial airline that takes visitors to numerous nationwide destinations.

• Thai Smile: Specializing in domestic flights, including Suvarnabhumi to Chiang Mai, Phuket, Surat Thani and Udon Thani

• Nok Air: Thailand’s popular budget airline, with a network of both domestic and international routes

Attractive Incentives

Thailand is keen to attract back Chinese tourists, and offering attractive incentives, such as:

• Discounts on hotel stays, flights, tour packages and car rental services.

• Specialized packages for groups of more than four people.

• Discounts for shopping and dining at participating outlets.

• Attractive restaurant and bar promotions.

• Low-priced flights for group travelers.

• Extended visa lengths for tourists from China and many other countries.

• Cash back vouchers when booking packages that include accommodation, transportation and activities.

• Attractive medical insurance packages.

Thailand Aims to Attract Chinese Tourists

Thailand is taking a number of steps to make its country even more attractive to Chinese tourists. These include:

• Improving the local vending market, with more efficient and secure payment systems in order to make it easier for Chinese visitors to purchase goods.

• Improving language services, with Chinese translations of websites and materials, as well as more Mandarin-speaking staff at airports and hotels.

• Creating tours specific to the needs of Chinese tourists, such as themed tours and information on cultural attractions.

• Promoting digital and mobile marketing, with an emphasis on WeChat, Weibo and other Chinese social media platforms, to target a Chinese-speaking audience.

• Launching nation-wide promotional campaigns, such as discounts on the popular and convenient Thai Rail Pass.

Thailand Reopening in 2021

It is expected that Thailand will begin to reopen its borders in 2021, with the country aiming to reopen to tourists from select source markets.

The reopening of international travel is expected to be staggered, with tourism slowly opening up to different countries in stages. If a country can prove to Thailand that it has been effective in controlling the spread of the virus, it is likely that it will be chosen as one of the countries on the priority list to receive tourists.

The tourism industry is a vital part of the Thai economy and it is clear that Thailand is keen to welcome Chinese tourists back to its beautiful country. With its thorough recovery plan, attractive incentives, and accessible air travel, Thailand aims to make its country even more attractive to Chinese visitors. With the anticipated reopening of international travel in 2021, there is plenty of reason to believe that Chinese tourists will make a welcomed return to Thailand soon.