Bangkok, 27 December 2023 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) hosted ‘A Picnic Celebration at the Museum’ welcome reception for leading Chinese influencers participating in the ‘Amazing Festive & Exclusive Trip in Thailand’. The eight-day trip features bespoke itineraries featuring travel products and services that reflect Thai cultural values, while highlighting measures in place to reinforce Thailand’s image as a safe destination.
Presiding over the welcome reception, Ms. Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, Minister of Tourism and Sports, said “China has been a key source market for Thailand and has had a significant impact on the Thai economy. Therefore, the Thai government is committed to providing high-quality tourism experiences for Chinese tourists. Our strategies include the development of new attractions in tandem with the promotion of Thai soft powers and meaningful travel experiences. Equally important is the safety measures to ensure that Chinese tourists can enjoy peace of mind throughout their travels in Thailand.”
The ‘Amazing Festive & Exclusive Trip in Thailand’ has brought 93 leading influencers from China to explore meaningful travel experiences in Bangkok, Pattaya, Hua Hin, Chiang Mai, Chanthaburi, Phang-nga, and Ko Mak from 21-28 December 2023.
Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT Governor, said “The ‘Amazing Festive and Exclusive Trip in Thailand’ initiative was conceptualised to inspire Chinese travellers to visit Thailand through a showcase of meaningful, one-of-a-kind travel experiences exclusive to each of the seven featured destinations. With emphasis on tourist safety, the eight-day itinerary features a variety of Thai tourism products and services that offer experience-based tourism and leverage the 5F Thai soft powers of Food, Film, Festival, Fight, and Fashion.”
The welcome reception on 26 December at Museum Siam in Bangkok was held under ‘A Picnic Celebration at the Museum’ concept. The programme included a tour of the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles, the Grand Palace, and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, and a tuk-tuk ride around Rattanakosin Island.
The picnic-style reception featured food and drink from Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurants and iconic Thai street food dishes and desserts – all the while entertaining participants with contemporary Thai performances, live music, and other activities, including a test-ride on the Thai Tourist Police’s Segway, Thai massage, fortune telling, and lucky draw.
The trip also introduced TAT’s new ‘Thais Always Care’ online campaign under the ‘Land of Care’ concept to boost tourists’ confidence in Thailand as a safe destination. The campaign is designed to promote Thailand’s ongoing efforts to raise safety standards in the travel and tourism industry, as well as a multitude of meaningful travel experiences on offer in Thailand through partnerships with international influencers and leading online platforms.
From 1 January to 20 December 2023, Thailand recorded 3,352,812 Chinese visitors. TAT expects 3.5 million visitors from China this year.
