Thailand’s ‘Nihao Month’ set to woo Chinese tourists

Thailand is pulling out all the stops to lure Chinese tourists back in droves with the launch of its ambitious Nihao Month campaign. With a staggering target of attracting 8 million Chinese visitors by the end of the year, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is betting big on a series of irresistible promotions and star-studded events.

Since the beginning of the year, an impressive 4.55 million Chinese travellers have flocked to Thailand, spurred on by the visa-free scheme introduced in March. Now, TAT is turning up the heat, aiming to boost these numbers even further during September and October.

TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool revealed that more than 100 Chinese key opinion leaders will flood online platforms like Little Red Book, Weibo, Douyin, and BiliBili with content promoting Thailand’s unique offerings. The aim is to make Thailand the top destination for Chinese tourists during the upcoming Mid-Autumn Festival and Chinese National Day holidays.

Kicking off the festivities, the Amazing Thailand, Mid-Autumn Night event will light up Bangkok‘s Siam Paragon shopping complex on September 17. The event will feature dazzling performances celebrating Thailand-China cultural ties, with appearances by Chinese heartthrob Luo Yunxi and Thai stars Pittaya DaOu Sae-chow and Davika Hoorne, aka Mai.

Music lovers won’t want to miss the Sound of Friendship Concert at Siam Paragon, with shows scheduled for October 5 and 12. These concerts will highlight the harmonious relationship between the two nations through music and cultural performances.

To sweeten the deal, TAT is collaborating with major Chinese travel platforms like Ctrip and Fliggy to offer special promotions, discount vouchers, and exclusive souvenirs from September to December. Chinese tourists visiting Thailand from September 19 to October 31 can also enjoy exclusive perks with the Chinese Passport Special Deals at participating shopping malls, spas, and restaurants.

With these enticing initiatives, TAT is confident of drawing in over 250,000 Chinese visitors during the upcoming holiday season. And next year, as Thailand and China celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations, TAT is gearing up to welcome a staggering 11 million Chinese tourists, aiming to recapture the pre-pandemic tourism boom, reported The Nation.