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Following the 2nd Thailand Road Show to China during 26-31 August 2007, TAT Governor Mrs. Phornsiri Manoharn, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) met with Mr Tu Chiang, Vice Chairman of the China National Tourism Administration (CNTA), in Beijing on 3 September to discuss tourism cooperation between the two countries, with the development and promotion of quality tour packages being a top priority in promoting tourism cooperation between Thailand and China.
These special packages are designed to enhance the satisfaction levels of Chinese visitors and help resolve the issue of “zero-cost tours.” The roadshow presented TAT with an opportunity to re-direct the visitor profile towards the high-end market and highlight the quality products and services featured in the new quality tour packages.
Chinese tour operators offering these specially-designed quality tour packages will be provided with marketing promotion support by TAT and the Thai-China Tour Operators Association. They will also be provided with an official seal of approval, so that their products can be clearly distinguished by the clients.
TAT Governor Phornsiri Manoharn thanked the CNTA for their continued cooperation and support and assured Chinese authorities of the full support of the TAT and the Thai tourism industry in ensuring a positive experience for Chinese visitors travelling to Thailand. The TAT Governor expressed confidence that with the full support of the private sector in selling quality tour packages, the Thai tourism industry will regain the trust of Chinese visitors.
China has been one of the fastest growing markets in terms of visitor arrivals to Thailand in the last few years. In 2006, TAT signed an agreement with the Beijing Tourism Administration to combine Beijing and Bangkok as dual destinations. The goal is to boost passengers from Europe and America to travel to Bangkok or Beijing, before or after the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. At the same time, Thai Airways International and Air China have joined forces to launch joint holiday opportunities that combine a trip to the Olympics with a visit to Bangkok. Visitors can fly with THAI from any of the eight key cities in Europe and North America via Bangkok to Beijing, then return home direct with Air China, or they can travel with either airline in the reverse order. Promotional offers target Platinum card-holders. In addition to a lucky draw, both airlines are offering attractive special packages for this unique vacation plan.
Thailand and China established diplomatic relations in 1975. Two-way trade during January-August 2007 grew 30 % to US$13.9 billion and Chinese investments in Thailand tripled to US$200 million. |
