The Thai tourism industry hopes to see more Chinese visitors again during Golden Week in October.
Every year on October 1, the National Day of China is celebrated to commemorate the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949. Chinese citizens enjoy a 7-day holiday from October 1 to 7, known as Golden Week.
Vichit Prakobgosol, who is the vice president of the Tourism Council of Thailand, said that if the Thai government succeeds in fully reopening the country within the second quarter, the kingdom still has a chance of achieving at least 5 months in the second half of this year. million international tourists.
He reiterated that the sooner Thailand fully reopens, the more competitive it will be as a tourist destination. Moreover, if China lifts additional international travel restrictions on its citizens in the fourth quarter, the total number of foreign tourists to the kingdom could reach 7-8 million by the end of the year.
Vichit also predicted that Thailand would regain 70% of its pre-pandemic tourist numbers next year and 100% by 2024.
However, the vice president noted that many travel companies have been unable to resume operations due to their financial slump. He added that since the pandemic, tourists have started to travel in smaller groups and participate in freer tourism programs and prioritize leisure activities.
They have also spent extended periods of time on hotel grounds and developed an affinity for specific urban restaurants.
These shifts in travel habits pose further challenges for tour operators whose business models are based on large groups and scheduled programs, as well as shopping and dining in suburban areas.
Catch up on more stories here
Follow us on Facebook here
