Thailand is expecting a surge in Chinese tourists after China’s recent move to relax restrictions on overseas flights.
Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Thailand’s Tourism and Sports Minister, told China’s official Xinhua news agency on Saturday (Dec. 31) that his ministry was “very pleased to learn that China will implement new border control measures from January 8 onwards,” adding that this was “long-awaited good news for Thailand.”
Chinese tourists made for 28% of the almost 40 million worldwide visitors to the monarchy in 2019.
Minister Phiphat stated that key ministries such as tourism and sports, health, and transportation are expected to cooperate and plan for the influx of Chinese tourists.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) predicted that foreign arrivals in 2022 will exceed the initial target of 10 million.
The minister also stated that the aim for 2023 was 20 million international tourists in Thailand, which has subsequently been increased to 25 million as a result of China’s decision to relax pandemic safeguards. He also stated that the authorities are optimistic about meeting the new objective.
