TAT sees Chinese New Year bringing Bt10 billion into circulation
BANGKOK, Jan 11 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) expects the Chinese New Year festival Jan 22-30 to bring in over Bt10 billion in circulation from domestic and foreign travellers of Chinese origin.
TAT Governor Surapol Sawetserani spoke at a news conference today on this year’s event with Zhang Yiming, charge d’affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Thailand along with provincial governors and other related representatives.
Chinese New Year will be celebrated lavishly in 10 provinces nationwide–Bangkok, Suphan Buri, Ayutthaya, Chon Buri, Ratchaburi, Chiang Mai, Nakhon Sawan, Nakhon Ratchasima, Songkhla, and Phuket–with different activities at each venue.
Highlights will be cultural performances from China, which the Chinese Ministry of Culture provides for five countries around the world, including Australia, the United Kingdom, France, and the United States, in addition to Thailand.
The special entertainment, which will be performed in rotation at each province, is to celebrate His Majesty King Bhumibol on his 85th birthday, Her Majesty Queen Sirikit on her 80th birthday, and Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn on his 60th birthday, as well as to celebrate the 37th anniversary of Thai-Chinese diplomatic relations.
According to Mr Surapol, at least 300,000 visitors are expected from China, Hong Kong, Taipei, Malaysia, and Singapore, celebrating Chinese New Year in Thailand and creating a flow of money circulating in the country of over Bt4 billion. Around 2.5 million Thais of Chinese origin are projected to travel for the New Year celebration, creating revenue of Bt7 billion.
The TAT governor added that the Thai tourism industry has seen positive signs in regard to the event. About 200 charter flights flying to Thailand are currently booked, 150 of which have Phuket as their destination.
