Thailand is forecast to receive an immense flood of Chinese tourists during the first week of October to coincide with China National Day.
Officials hope a weaker Thai baht and the public holiday will lead to a groundbreaking amount of Chinese travelers this year, especially in the period of Oct. 1 – 7, which is when the “China National Day” holiday takes place. The number of Chinese tourists coming to the Kingdom is expected to double from 500,000 per month to nearly one million, according to government spokesman Maj. Gen. Sansern Kaewkamnerd.
It is hoped that the weaker Thai currency will act as a lure for Chinese merchants or shoppers hoping to strike good deals, bag some bargains, and get full bang for their buck.
“It’s a positive factor that will stimulate tourists into coming to Thailand,” Sansern said.
In June alone, more than 632,000 Chinese tourists visited Thailand, more than any other nationality. Meanwhile, the amount of tourists from the United States is also expected to increase from 700,000 to around 1.2 million this year due to the recovery of the American economy.
If all goes as planned, this would mean Thailand will welcome 29 million visitors this year.
Due to a fall in tourism within the past couple years as a result of political unrest and protests, the rise in visitors at the hands of the Chinese would serve as a Ang Pao to Thailand’s export-dependant economy, Khaosod English reports.
“We are confident that, in the entire year, 29-30 million foreign tourists will have entered Thailand,” Sansern said. “Which is higher than the expected goal of 28.8 million tourists, as set by the Ministry of Tourism [and Sports].”
Photo: Sanook
