Thai tourism players are expecting a bump in China tourist arrivals as the visa-free regime begins.
The Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA) is projecting more than 20,000 Chinese arrivals per day with Thailand and China waiving visa requirements for their respective citizens.
“The confidence of Chinese tourists in travelling within Thailand has been fully restored,” ATTA president Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn said.
“However, the government must continue tourism promotion campaigns together with private partners to attract Chinese tour agencies organising group tours.”
He is banking on the permanent free visa policy helping maintain China tourist arrivals at more than 20,000 per day year-round.
That would go a long way in helping Thailand tourism meet its ambitious target of 40 million foreign arrivals.
“The key is to keep the confidence level high. The government must make sure there are no negative news or safety issues that could disrupt tourists’ confidence,” he added.
