Thailand’s recent announcement of its visa exemption scheme for Chinese travellers has resulted in an immediate boost in bookings, according to data from DidaTravel.
The Thai government’s decision to implement a five-month visa-free travel period for Chinese tourists is locked in until 29 February 2024.
The positive impact of this policy change is already evident, with bookings from Chinese travellers for Thailand hotels growing by 30 per cent following the implementation of the policy on September 25 compared to the same day the previous week.
During this year’s Mid-Autumn and National Day holidays Chinese travellers’ hotel bookings in Thailand have increased by a staggering 700 per cent compared to the previous year as demand approaches 2019 levels.
The Average Daily Rate has also witnessed a significant rise of 42 per cent year-on-year, reflecting the growing interest and confidence of Chinese travellers in Thailand.
When it comes to popular Thai destinations, Chinese travellers have shown a strong preference for cities such as Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya, Chiang Mai, and the islands of Koh Samui, Ko Phi Phi, and Krabi. Additionally, the serene coastal towns of Hua Hin, Ko Chang, and Sunset Beach have also garnered attention.
“Thailand is well known for its rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes,” said Gareth Matthews, DidaTravel’s chief marketing officer.
“We are excited about the recent announcement from the government of Thailand to implement visa-free travel for Chinese visitors.”
