Thailand steps up tourism promotion campaigns

The agency anticipated that the number of Chinese tourist arrivals to Thailand will hit over 8 million in 2024, a recovery of 75% compared to 2020 when there were 11.1 million Chinese tourists.

The AOT, as the operator of Thailand’s six major airports, namely Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Mae Fah Luang-Chiang Rai International, Phuket International, and Hat Yai International, is preparing to facilitate travel between the two countries.

It is ready to comply with the newly announced “visa free” policy for Thai and Chinese passport holders, said its president Kerati Kijmanawat.

It will coordinate with relevant agencies to efficiently manage passenger services throughout arrival and departure processes, ensuring flexibility and avoiding congestion, especially during immigration checks and in baggage claim areas, he continued.

Kerati held that following the recent mutual “visa free” breakthrough, the Chinese government is implementing a policy that makes it easy for Thais to enter that country on ordinary Thai passports.

The AOT has incorporated technology to enhance convenience further, thereby attracting more Chinese tourists, boosting travel between the two countries, and encouraging the influx of money into the country’s economy as well as stimulating spending.

It will promote the “Smiling Visit” policy initiated by Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit, which aims to create a positive impression for users, he said, elaborating that it includes efficient, safe, and prompt services that create a positive image of the country.

According to Kerati, the AOT will encourage airlines to increase the flight frequency and passenger volume between countries, adding that airlines will receive service fee discounts of 175 THB (US$5) per additional passenger, not exceeding 75% of the additional service fee for additional flights up to March 31 of this year.

To encourage airlines to introduce new flight routes to Thailand’s airports, the AOT will consider discounts on aircraft landing and parking charges to support tourism in secondary cities.