Thailand’s Tourism Authority Downplays Monopolized Chinese Tourism

Thailand’s Tourism Authority (TAT) has downplayed concerns over monopolized Chinese tourism businesses and zero-dollar tours as long as stringent law enforcement and cooperation with Beijing are maintained, and Thailand is prioritizing high-value tourists over volume tourists.

TAT governor Yuthasak Supasorn stated that his office in China would continue to monitor these problems, ensuring that only Chinese tour companies authorized by the Chinese government can send tour groups to Thailand.

Furthermore, increased overall Thailand tour package prices as a result of high airfares have served to avoid these issues. Furthermore, he claims that most Chinese prefer to travel independently.

“The Chinese tourism business network has begun to return as Thai tourism has recovered, causing some income to flow out of Thailand; therefore, we must continue to closely monitor this issue to avoid an impact on Thai operators,” Mr Yuthasak said.

“However, if foreign tourism business operators follow Thai law, it will be difficult to prevent them from competing in the market.”

According to the TAT, flight numbers in the summer slot nationally totaled more than 97,000 until October, up from 53,000 in the previous winter slot, with Chinese flights alone gaining more than 16,000 seats.

To keep occupancy rates at a desirable level, the TAT is marketing Thailand in China as an all-year-round destination this year.

The TAT’s goal for 2024-2027 is to prioritize value over volume, focusing on high-value and sustainable travel.

Foreign visitors totaled more than 6.2 million as of March 29. Malaysia had 890,473 visitors, Russia had 556,408, China had 497,842, South Korea had 435,263 visitors, and India had 313,422 visitors.

According to Mr. Suksit Suvunditkul, head of the Thai Hotels Association’s (THA) southern chapter, Phuket has yet to see zero-dollar tours, despite Chinese tourists steadily increasing and now ranking among the top ten sources of tourists in Phuket since the beginning of the year.

However, the THA has yet to see restaurants or lodging that cater exclusively to the Chinese market reopen.

Nonetheless, he stated that the situation should be closely monitored over the next 3-4 months, when Chinese tour groups are anticipated to increase. He advised Thailand to concentrate on attracting quality tourists and to position itself appropriately.

He anticipates Chinese to be the most popular foreign tourists in Phuket in April, with India close behind, while long-haul markets such as Russia continue to slow.

Meanwhile, Mr Suksit expressed optimism that the government would assist in keeping electricity fees low, as the rate, which has risen by 20-30% since last year, has taken a heavy toll on hotels, most of which have only recently begun to recover from the latest winter high season.

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