Combined tour packages: Thai proposal for Chinese tourists

Chinese tourists are the target of a new strategy suggested by Thai tourism operators, who propose selling combined tour packages to Thailand and Malaysia. This proposal comes in light of China granting visa exemptions to visitors from Malaysia and several European countries, but not Thailand.

Songchai Mungprasithichai, president of the Songkhla Tourism Promotion Association, believes that since Hat Yai Airport now offers direct flights from Kuala Lumpur, the government could seize this opportunity to promote combined trips. Chinese tourists could visit both Malaysia and Thailand without the need for visas.

Songchai noted that such a strategy could boost tourism in Songkhla, a region largely dependent on Malaysian tourists and currently attracting a minimal number of visitors from Singapore and Indonesia. He suggested that developing new attractions in Songkhla could provide additional unique selling points, complementing the region’s food culture that currently draws in foreign tourists on weekends.

“Thailand offers more advantages than Malaysia in terms of offering diverse attractions, while the country’s well-known hospitality is another boon.”

Songchai noted that Chinese and other foreign tourists often prefer free recreational activities, such as beach-going or alcohol consumption, both of which can be enjoyed in Thailand without restrictions.

In 2019, Thailand welcomed approximately 11 million Chinese tourists, while Malaysia attracted over 3.1 million Chinese visitors. Adith Chairattananon, honorary secretary-general of the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA), wasn’t surprised by Beijing prioritising Malaysians for visa exemptions. He pointed out that Malaysia has a higher GDP per person, meaning the potential spending levels of Malaysian visitors in China could be greater.

China-Malaysia tours boost

Adith also noted that a significant number of outbound trips from Malaysia to China are undertaken by Malaysians of Chinese descent. Over 1.3 million Malaysians visited China in 2019, compared to 870,000 Thais.

Despite the recent visa-free policy, Adith stated that tour agents in China have not reported a shift from Thailand to Malaysia. He too supported the idea of tourism operators in Songkhla offering combined tour packages to both destinations.

Atta reported a 30% increase in outbound bookings from China following the visa exemption granted to Chinese nationals two months ago, driven mainly by incentive trips. Next month, the association plans to conduct two roadshows in Shanghai and Chengdu to revive the tour group segment, particularly targeting residents of second-tier cities keen to visit Thailand for the first time, reported Bangkok Post.

Thailand’s Tourism and Sports Ministry stated yesterday that China’s visa exemption for Malaysians would not impact Thai tourism as the policy is likely to benefit trade visitors more than tourists.