BANGKOK, April 30 (Xinhua) -- The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and Chinese financial services provider UnionPay International signed a letter of intent here on Tuesday to promote quality tourism and elevate travel experiences in the Southeast Asian country.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool said the collaboration, focusing on joint marketing initiatives and promotions, aligns with the Thai government's tourism policy to forge long-term strategic partnerships with leading players in key tourist markets.
The mutual visa exemption agreement between Thailand and China, effective from March 1, further enhances cooperation with Chinese counterparts. It also helps facilitate travel and promote quality tourism experiences for Chinese visitors, Thapanee said.
Emphasizing the high spending power and preference for Thailand among Chinese tourists, the 30-day visa-free stay and partnership with UnionPay are expected to encourage more Chinese visitors and increase their spending on Thai tourism products and services, she added.
Wang Lixin, executive director of UnionPay International, said the collaboration will leverage the payment network to showcase Thailand's top tourism destinations while offering UnionPay cardholders special privileges.
China has regained its position as the largest source market for foreign tourists to Thailand so far this year, with 2.29 million arrivals as of April 28, out of over 11.94 million foreign visitors received by Thailand, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports data showed.
Thailand is targeting 8 million tourists from China this year, a 75 percent recovery compared to 11.1 million Chinese tourists in pre-pandemic 2019. ■
