Thailand Expects More Chinese Tourists as Restrictions Ease

Thailand Expects More Chinese Tourists as Int’l Flight Restrictions Ease

Thailand is anticipating an influx of Chinese tourists starting Jan. 8, as China announced last week that it will relax its COVID-19-related restrictions on international flights. Passengers arriving to the mainland will no longer need to quarantine and are only required to show a negative test taken within the last 48 hours, which means returning home will become easier.

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Chinese tourists accounted for nearly 40 million or a third of international arrivals to Thailand. Their visit to popular destinations like Bangkok, Phuket, and Pattaya is adding hope to local businesses wanting to recover and profit more from tourism-related spending.

Official data from the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) revealed that international arrivals in 2022 exceeded the initial target of 10 million, as the country reached about 11.5 million visitors. For 2023, the tourism ministry is targeting 20 million foreign visitors plus another five million following China’s announcement.

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