Thailand’s tour package prices bump up for Chinese visitors

Thailand’s tour package prices are being bumped up for Chinese visitors to the Land of Smiles. This news comes after China lifted travel restrictions on its citizens on January 8.

There are now fewer flight connections between Thailand and China, and unprepared tour agents in China, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)’s regional director for marketing in East Asia. The director, Chuwit Sirivejkul, said the result of this is a limited amount of tour packages.

Due to the high demand and few tours, Chuwit said the price of packages is 20% higher on average than the rate before the Covid-19 pandemic. He noted that many airlines are working to increase flights in the first quarter, Bangkok Post reported.

Chuwit said there are currently 344,446 confirmed seats with an 85% load factor on each flight from China. This could help carry 320,397 Chinese tourists to the kingdom by March.

Since China still doesn’t allow tour operators to conduct outbound tour groups, Chuwit said most tourists will now choose independent travel.

Chuwit listed some challenges around preparedness for Chinese visitors, including developing good attitudes towards Chinese tourists, Chinese language skills, and online payment platforms compatible with Chinese users.

TAT is rushing to prepare for the return of Chinese visitors. It is planning a roadshow in China during the third week of February, which will be the first roadshow after the Covid pandemic. The roadshow is to be held in three major Chinese cities, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Chengdu.

TAT’s deputy governor for international marketing in Asia and South Pacific said that all five TAT offices in China, as well as domestic tourism operators, are looking to prepare for Chinese tourists’ return.

It’s not just the tourism industry hurrying to prepare for Chinese tourists. In Pattaya, Tourist Police are preparing to protect Chinese tourists from the city’s crimes. Officers are patrolling high-risk spots such as Walking Street, South Pattaya, and Beach Road.

Time will tell what further developments unfold regarding the Chinese return to Thailand.