Tourism Authority of Thailand to Host Thai Traditional Wedding for 100 Couples from China
Bangkok, October 20, 2011 — One hundred couples are visiting from China to take part in a traditional Thai wedding ceremony hosted by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). The ceremony will take place at the Nong Nooch Garden and Resort in Chonburi province on October 19, 2011. Provinces in this part of central Thailand, including Pattaya, Chonburi, Chanthaburi, Rayong, and Trat, have not been affected by the floods.
The wedding will start in the afternoon with the “Khan mak” (grooms’ procession), consisting of elephants carrying trays of gifts from the grooms to the brides’ families; “Klong yao” (a traditional Thai drum) performers; and traditional Thai dancers. Thai Buddhist monks will conduct a religious ceremony. Following a celebration dinner, the Chinese newlyweds will launch “Khom Loi” (floating paper lanterns) for good luck. The event is part of the TAT’s initiative to promote the wedding and honeymoon market while highlighting Thai culture.
Mr Suraphon Svetasreni, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand said, “We welcome these couples from China, who will find that the unique aspects of a Thai-style wedding make a special day for a bride and groom even more unforgettable. This wonderful event brings together many of the TAT’s marketing strategies, including promoting Thailand as a destination for weddings and honeymoons, targeting the RICHI markets of Russia, India, China, and Indonesia, and highlighting the Kingdom’s cultural heritage.”
China is a key market for Thai tourism. From January to August 2011, more than 1.15 million Chinese visitors arrived at Suvarnabhumi Airport. This is a 68.59% increase over the same period last year. Chinese tourists like to visit Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, Rayong, and Chiang Mai, with Koh Samui becoming increasingly popular. Favourite activities for Chinese travellers in Thailand include sightseeing, shopping and visiting entertainment venues.
In 2010, around 58% of tourist arrivals from China were first-time visitors. Repeat visitors accounted for the other 42%. Chinese visitors in Thailand stay an average of 6.86 days, with daily average spending of around 4,425 Baht per person. The estimated number of visitor arrivals from China during 2012 is expected to reach 1,650,000.
The wedding will start in the afternoon with the “Khan mak” (grooms’ procession), consisting of elephants carrying trays of gifts from the grooms to the brides’ families; “Klong yao” (a traditional Thai drum) performers; and traditional Thai dancers. Thai Buddhist monks will conduct a religious ceremony. Following a celebration dinner, the Chinese newlyweds will launch “Khom Loi” (floating paper lanterns) for good luck. The event is part of the TAT’s initiative to promote the wedding and honeymoon market while highlighting Thai culture.
Mr Suraphon Svetasreni, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand said, “We welcome these couples from China, who will find that the unique aspects of a Thai-style wedding make a special day for a bride and groom even more unforgettable. This wonderful event brings together many of the TAT’s marketing strategies, including promoting Thailand as a destination for weddings and honeymoons, targeting the RICHI markets of Russia, India, China, and Indonesia, and highlighting the Kingdom’s cultural heritage.”
China is a key market for Thai tourism. From January to August 2011, more than 1.15 million Chinese visitors arrived at Suvarnabhumi Airport. This is a 68.59% increase over the same period last year. Chinese tourists like to visit Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, Rayong, and Chiang Mai, with Koh Samui becoming increasingly popular. Favourite activities for Chinese travellers in Thailand include sightseeing, shopping and visiting entertainment venues.
In 2010, around 58% of tourist arrivals from China were first-time visitors. Repeat visitors accounted for the other 42%. Chinese visitors in Thailand stay an average of 6.86 days, with daily average spending of around 4,425 Baht per person. The estimated number of visitor arrivals from China during 2012 is expected to reach 1,650,000.