Thailand is taking innovative steps to revive its tourism industry by forming strategic partnerships with influential Chinese technology companies and social media personalities, aiming to establish the country as an unrivaled destination for tourists. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is leading this forward-thinking endeavor, aiming to not only restore but also significantly increase the number of Chinese tourists, who played a crucial role in Thailand’s tourism industry prior to the pandemic’s disruption of international travel.
The government’s ambitious strategy was recently revealed by Deputy Governor Chattan Kunjara Na Ayudhya, the mastermind behind this momentous initiative. An essential aspect of this strategy involves partnering with well-known Chinese technology platforms and influencers to leverage their wide reach and influence in promoting the numerous attractions of Thailand. Douyin, a social media platform developed by ByteDance, has become a prominent participant in this attempt due to its engaging short videos. Douyin will extend invitations to creators to develop captivating travel material, showcasing Thailand’s cultural opulence, picturesque landscapes, and lively encounters to the extensive Chinese viewership.
Concurrently, the TAT intends to invite media and travel brokers, urging them to engage in a comprehensive exploration of the country. The objective of this effort is to not only display the diverse attractions of Thailand but also to cultivate collaborations that enhance the country’s attractiveness in the Chinese tourism market.
The primary goal of this strategic alliance is to significantly increase the number of Chinese tourists visiting Thailand aims to achieve an ambitious target of attracting 40 million tourists and generating a remarkable revenue of 3.1 trillion baht by 2024. In order to accomplish this, the government plans to significantly increase the number of Chinese tourists from the current 3.5 million to an ambitious 8.2 million by 2024.
The initial visa-waiver granted to Chinese citizens in September, coinciding with the mid-autumn festival vacations, resulted in an increase in arrivals. However, recent events, such as the regrettable shooting of a Chinese tourist in a Bangkok mall, have presented difficulties in establishing trust-building initiatives. Despite these obstacles, the government remains undeterred and views the potential for strategic partnerships with important Chinese organizations as a means to resolve concerns and restore confidence in Thailand as a safe and attractive destination.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand has recently signed a substantial arrangement with Fliggy, a well-known Chinese travel platform controlled by the e-commerce behemoth Alibaba Group. The objective of this collaboration is to collectively promote Thailand as a secure and attractive destination. The relationship extends beyond Fliggy, embracing strategic alliances with prominent industry giants such as Huawei, Meituan, Spring Airlines, and Sina News.
The partnership with Huawei, a prominent global technology company, is an entry into the world of advanced technology to enhance Thailand’s tourism story. By utilizing Huawei’s influence, the TAT seeks to enhance its promotional endeavors and establish an engaging digital encounter that appeals to the technologically inclined Chinese tourist.
Meituan, a famous travel platform in China, is another important partner in this ambitious campaign. Meituan’s extensive presence in the travel and leisure industry positions it to have a significant impact on enhancing Thailand’s attractiveness. This partnership creates opportunities for focused marketing campaigns and personalized encounters that correspond to the interests of Chinese tourists.
Spring Airlines, a prominent budget airline in China, is also involved in this cooperative endeavor. Improving air connectivity is crucial for the success of any strategy aimed at reviving tourism. Spring Airlines is anticipated to contribute by expanding the number of flight choices between China and Thailand.
Sina News, a prominent Chinese news agency, is an additional important collaborator in this undertaking. By capitalizing on Sina News’ significant media reach, Thailand intends to enhance its communication efforts and highlight the nation’s strength and dedication to providing a secure and pleasurable experience for Chinese tourists.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has recognized tourism as a strategic opportunity to expedite the country’s economic expansion. Revitalizing the tourist sector is essential for Thailand’s overall economic recovery since it contributes approximately 12% of the country’s GDP and supports over 20% of its employment. The government has implemented a comprehensive strategy that involves granting temporary visa exemptions to tourists originating from Russia, Kazakhstan, India, and Taiwan.
Instructions have been given to airlines to increase the number of routes they offer, while efforts are being made to optimize airport operations in order to minimize waiting times for tourists. The government’s dedication to fostering tourism growth is evident through the implementation of these initiatives as well as through strategic partnerships with prominent Chinese technology companies.
By skillfully leveraging the influence of Chinese internet giants and influencers, the government intends to not only regain lost ground but also establish Thailand as an extremely appealing destination for Chinese travelers with discriminating tastes. In addition to immediate recovery, the relationship with significant Chinese enterprises establishes the foundation for long-term growth in the period after the epidemic, creating lasting alliances and promoting a revitalized era of intercultural interaction.
The recent agreement with Fliggy, the integration of Huawei’s technological expertise, and the extensive collaboration with Meituan, Spring Airlines, and Sina News collectively indicate a strategic shift towards leveraging Chinese influence to shape the narrative of Thai tourism.
Despite ongoing obstacles, such as recent instances that have affected public trust, the government’s proactive attitude and strategic alliances indicate a period of significant change for the Thai tourism industry. Thailand is actively embracing the digital age and utilizing influential platforms to not only recover from the current situation but also establish a robust and resilient tourist ecosystem that goes beyond national boundaries and promotes long-lasting cultural interaction. As the journey begins, Thailand is ready to regain its position as a top choice for travelers, specifically targeting Chinese tourists to rekindle their interest in the captivating charm of the country known as the Land of Smiles.