Thailand is most searched travel destination for Chinese New Year

Online searches for flights to Thailand during the approaching Chinese New Year holidays beat searches for flights to all other countries in the region, according to travel marketing company Sojern.

China’s borders are open for the first time in three years and Chinese travellers are looking to get away to celebrate the upcoming two-week Chinese New Year – or Lunar New Year – (“trut jeen” in Thai language) holidays.

Thailand accounted for 27% of all searches in the Asia Pacific region, followed by Japan (19%), Singapore (18%), the Philippines (10%), and Malaysia (8%).

Last year, Thailand placed second behind Singapore, which dropped to third place this year.

Bangkok was also the most searched city in the region, accounting for 22% of all searches, followed by Tokyo (15%), Manila (9%), Phuket (7%), and Taipei (7%), according to Sojern.

As for booking made so far, most travellers flying during the holidays originate from Singapore (16%), the United States (12%), Thailand (9%), Taiwan (8%), and Japan (7%).

The strong US dollar, which benefited from aggressive interest rate hikes by the US Federal Reserves last year, is likely a factor stimulating Americans to explore the Asia-Pacific right now, believes Sojern.

Thailand’s Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha heard about Sojern’s statistics and was overjoyed at Thailand being the most searched destination for flights, said government spokesperson Anucha Burapachaisri yesterday.

Anucha added that the government is expecting an influx of Chinese tourists to celebrate the holidays this weekend which will revive the tourism industry…

“The prime minister is happy that the government’s measures [to promote tourism] have become successful. The reputation and image of Thailand also creates confidence among foreign tourists, helping Thailand to retain its top spots among foreign tourists in all seasons.”

“The prime minister would like to thank all state and private agencies for holding interesting activities to attract tourists and help make Thailand a hotspot.”

Prayut has asked government agencies to ensure the safety of Chinese tourists during the Lunar New Year holidays.

Suvarnabhumi Airport expects to welcome over 1.8 million arrivals between January 16-28.