Bangkok, November 25, 2011 — The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) together with CCT Express and CGZL International Travel Service welcomed a group of Chinese visitors to Thailand at Suvarnabhumi Airport. The group will be in the country during November 25-30, 2011.
Mr Suraphon Svetasreni, TAT Governor said “After the flooding has receded, TAT hopes to welcome more visitors to Thailand particularly from China. For those who plan to come during the high season, they will enjoy all the country has, especially “Beautiful Thailand”, a post-flooding campaign that TAT and the Thai tourism industry plan to offer incoming visitors during this season.”
China is one of Thai tourism’s most important markets. From January to October 2011, international tourist arrivals to Thailand reached 15.8 million. Over 1.45 million of these arrivals were from China, a 64% increase over the same period last year. Some 42% were repeat visitors and 43% travelled in group tours.
When in Thailand, visitors from China prefer shopping, beach and entertainment venues, with a growing trend towards personal relaxation, Free Independent Travellers (FITs) and tours that offer in-depth Thai cultural experiences. The average daily spending for Chinese travellers is approximately 4,425 Baht (885 Yuan) per person, with an average length of stay of about 6.8 days.
The floods that covered some central provinces in Thailand and parts of outer Bangkok had no impact on most of the country’s best-known tourist attractions and destinations.
Other tourist attractions and destinations outside of the Central Region continue to experience normal conditions and welcome visitors. These include Pattaya, Phuket, Rayong and Chiang Mai, which are favourite destinations for tourists from China.
Almost all other tourist destinations in Thailand including Sukhothai, Chiang Rai, Surat Thani and Ko Samui, were also not affected by the flooding. Even in the Central Region, places such as Hua Hin and Cha-Am were outside the area affected by the flood.
