Chinese Tourists To Thailand

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and Alipay (Hangzhou) Information Technology Co., Ltd. today signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) to form a long-term strategic partnership that offers Chinese tourists more product and service options while visiting the Kingdom.

TAT and Alipay sign letter of intent — In Photo (from left to right): Mrs. Srisuda Wanapinyosak, TAT Deputy Governor, International Marketing – Europe, Africa, Middle East and Americas; Mr. Chattan Kunjara Na Ayudhaya, TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing, Asia and South Pacific; Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT Governor; Mr. Zhang Yong, General Manager Member Management of Alipay (Hangzhou) Information Technology; and Mr. Tanes Petsuwan, TAT Deputy Governor for Marketing Communications.

TAT Governor Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn said “Thailand is the most popular destination for Chinese traveller in 2018 according to the report by the China Tourism Academy and Ctrip. Last year, Thailand welcomed over 10.5 million visitors from China (out of 38 million total arrivals), making it the number one source market for the country. Hence, the TAT is constantly looking for ways to strengthen tourism products and services that cater to Chinese visitors.”

“The LoI signifies the commitment between both parties to forge a long-lasting strategic partnership. This cooperation in the field of tourism will facilitate Chinese tourists to access more options and enjoy better services while raising awareness among the Chinese about the ease of travelling to and around Thailand,” Mr. Yuthasak said.

Alipay is the world’s largest mobile and online payment platform operated by Ant Financial Services Group, with over 1 billion members. It is currently in talks with relevant Thai government agencies, including the TAT, to enhance Chinese tourists’ overall experience in Thailand. Alipay will provide more efficient and convenient payment method via its platform and help Thai local merchants improve their services and better supporting the needs of the Chinese travellers.

Chinese tourists spent on average 55,579 Baht per person per trip in 2018, up 5.1% year-on-year, generating 586,471 million Baht revenue (up 12.6%).