Thailand heavily relies on Chinese tourists, who accounted for almost 30% of the total international arrivals in 2019. The COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted outbound travel from China, leading to concerns about when Chinese tourists will return. The Chinese government has eased travel controls, resulting in increased demand for bookings; however, numbers are still below pre-pandemic levels due to various factors, such as the economic situation in China, competition from other destinations, and reduced airline capacity. With only 5 million Chinese tourists expected in Thailand this year, compared to nearly 10 million in 2019, the tourism industry is trying to understand the implications for their business, including the desirability of high visitor volumes and considerations of social and environmental sustainability. There are also questions about changes in domestic and regional travel behavior and the potential for emerging markets like India, Russia, and Saudi Arabia to compensate for the loss of Chinese tourists. The future of the tourism industry remains uncertain.
What the slow return of Chinese tourists means to the tourism industry in Thailand? – Thailand News
