China, Thailand Pen Deal to Boost Tourism Numbers
Xu Wei
DATE:  Nov 20 2017
/ SOURCE:  Yicai
China, Thailand Pen Deal to Boost Tourism Numbers China, Thailand Pen Deal to Boost Tourism Numbers

(Yicai Global) Nov. 20 -- The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and China Travel Service signed a memorandum of understanding on Nov. 18 to cooperate in tourism development and bump up numbers of Chinese tourists heading to the Southeast Asian country, state-owned China News Service reported.

The Thai government pegs next year as a "fantastic year of Thai tourism," said Sandi Chuditra, deputy director of the TAT Asia-South Pacific Bureau, adding that the tourism authority will promote the nation's tourism products and services in a new way to bring back return tourists and convince prospective travelers to visit.  Chuditra believes the cooperation with China will further drive the country's wealthy tourists to Thailand.

The deputy director also mentioned the China-Thailand high-speed rail link, which is set to pass through north and northeastern Thailand through Khon, Kaen, Korat, Ayutthaya and Bangkok. The improved transport system will also encourage tourism from China, he added.

China Travel Service will work closely with TAT to actively develop and promote new tourism products and services to create real value and make trips more enjoyable, said Xue Xiaogong, general manager of the Chinese travel department.

Thailand is one of the most popular destinations for Chinese tourists, and China's large population makes it a great source of travelers. TAT estimates that next year, Chinese tourists to Thailand will bring in revenue of more than THB561 billion (USD17 billion), up 10.5 percent from 2017.

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Keywords:   THAILAND,TOURISM,Travel,Southeast Asia