TAT to launch Nihao Festival in October to woo Chinese tourists

To captivate the hearts of Chinese tourists, the Thailand Tourism Authority (TAT) has unveiled a month-long extravaganza, the Nihao Festival, set to take place for the entire month of October.

Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool announced the grand scheme yesterday, aiming to entice holidaymakers during China’s National Day Golden Week, renowned for its bustling travel fervour.

The festivity will unfurl across Bangkok’s vibrant Chinatown, on Yaowarat Road, igniting jubilant celebrations in honour of China’s National Day. Branch offices of TAT nestled in Chinese tourist hotspots like Chiang Mai and Phuket are fervently crafting event blueprints to charm the anticipated influx.

Thapanee revealed TAT’s strategic plan to nudge tour agencies towards offering irresistible deals, including promotions on tour packages, airfare discounts, and exclusive gifts for Chinese visitors, fostering a favourable impression throughout October.

Reports from TAT indicate a staggering 2.03 million Chinese nationals have graced Thailand’s shores from January 1 to April 14, clinching the top spot in foreign arrivals. With an ambitious target of 8 million Chinese tourists this year, TAT envisions a colossal revenue surge of approximately 350 billion baht. Forecasts hint at a total foreign footfall of 35 million, promising a whopping tourism windfall of 2.3 trillion baht for the year.

Thapanee outlined TAT’s strategic calendar, spotlighting forthcoming attractions such as August’s electrifying Summer Sonic Bangkok music festival and November’s tantalising International Food Festival.

Reflecting on the triumphant Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2024 in April, held at Bangkok’s Sanam Luang, Thapanee hailed the event’s unprecedented success, drawing in a throng of Thai and foreign revellers, reported The Nation.

With an estimated 20 million tourists traversing Thailand from April 1 to 21, including 2 million foreigners, Thapanee projected a tourism bonanza, spearheaded by the Songkran Festival, poised to rake in a staggering 150 billion baht.

In related news, a recent measure granting visa-free travel between Thailand and China sparked a surge in tourism expectations. As per the reports collected by five TAT overseas offices located in Beijing, Shanghai, Kunming, Chengdu, and Guangzhou, it’s predicted that tourism between the two nations could dramatically rise by the end of 2024.