Airports chief expects 8m Chinese visitors this year

A visa-free arrangement is anticipated to increase Chinese immigrants to 70 % of the total in 2019.

According to president Kerati Kijmanawat, Thailand’s airports anticipate that the Thai-Chinese visa-free agreement will contribute to bringing 8 million Chinese visitors to the nation this month, or roughly 70 % of the record set in 2019.

It is anticipated that the bilateral deal between Thailand and China, under which citizens of both nations will no longer need to apply for visa before traveling, will go into effect on March 1. Foreign visitors ‘ six-month visa-free trial program is set to end at the end of February.

Although the test program was credited with a rise in Chinese arrivals toward the end of the year, total numbers for 2023 fell far short of expectations of 4.5 to 5 million. The nation welcomed 3.5 million Foreign tourists, while Malay reclaimed the top spot with 4.4 million.

Out of the 40 million foreign visitors, the nation welcomed a document 11.1 million Chinese tourists in 2019.

Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit instructed AOT to set up resources at its six global airports—Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai—Chiang Rai, Phuket, and Hat Yai—to handle an anticipated increase in traffic in response to the diplomatic visa-free arrangement, according to Mr. Kerati.

Additionally, AOT and Thailand’s Tourism Authority have teamed up to run promotions to draw tourists and encourage airlines to expand their potential. According to him, the promotions include airline airports charge discounts.