Bangkok, 22 September, 2016 – Following a high-profile discussion between representatives from Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports (MOTS) and China National Tourism Administration (CNTA), presided over by Mrs. Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, Minister of Tourism and Sports, the two nations have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to develop quality tourism.
The MOU was signed on 21 September, 2016, by Mr. Pongpanu Svetarundra, Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Tourism and Sports, and Mr. Wang Xiaofeng, Vice Chairman of CNTA. The MOU was aimed at enhancing tourism cooperation between Thailand and China for the mutual benefit of both nations through standardised mechanisms for communications and collaboration, joint operations, mutual understanding, and training.
Mrs. Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, Minister of Tourism and Sports said, “The signing of this MOU is the strong intention of both Thailand and the Republic of China to jointly oversee the management of the tourism industry to enhance the quality of services as well as the safety and security for the benefit of both nations.”
China is Thailand’s leading source market and its fastest growing. In 2015, Thailand attracted 7.9 million Chinese visitors, generating over 376 billion Baht in revenue, up respectively 71 per cent and 87 per cent over 2014. This year, from January to July, Chinese visitor to Thailand totalled 5,764,839 or a year-on-year increase of 20.54 percent.
The last few years have seen a huge surge in visitor numbers from China, Thailand would like to see the sustainable growth in tourist arrivals from China by focussing on quality rather than quantity. Under the agreement, the two countries will set up a joint committee to improve the quality of tourism to ensure impressive experiences for Chinese tourists at reasonable prices.
On 14 October, 2016, the Tourism Authority of Thailand will organise a Road Show to Beijing in order to present the quality tour packages to Chinese Travel Agents.
Representatives from Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports (MOTS) and the China National Tourism Administration (CNTA) take a group photo following the fruitful discussions aimed at enhancing tourism cooperation between the two nations.
Mrs. Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, Minister of Tourism and Sports, offered a token of appreciation to Mr. Wang Xiaofeng, Vice Chairman of CNTA, following the successful MOU talks.
Mr. Pongpanu Svetarundra, Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Tourism and Sports, shook hands Mr. Wang Xiaofeng, Vice Chairman of CNTA, following the MOU signing ceremony which was witnessed by Mrs. Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, Minister of Tourism and Sports.
