PUBLISHED: 24 Feb 2025 at 12:04
Thailand’s aspiration to draw in 9 million tourists from China this year is facing significant hurdles following a disturbing incident involving the kidnapping of a Chinese actor. This incident has reportedly prompted a shift in Chinese tourists towards safer destinations such as Japan and Singapore.
Research indicates a staggering 94% increase in flight cancellations to Thailand last month, as numerous Chinese families opted for Japan’s ski resorts and hot springs during the Lunar New Year. Early February trip statistics also show a continuing decline compared to last year.
The abduction of Chinese actor Wang Xing into Myanmar via Thailand and subsequent rescue triggered a wave of cancellations among mainland tourists. Thailand, heavily reliant on tourism, has intensified efforts to combat scams and trafficking operations that exploit the country as a transit point. However, these measures have so far failed to alleviate the concerns of potential travelers.
According to an analyst, safety concerns are strongly impacting the decision-making of Chinese tourists regarding travel to Thailand. The negative news surrounding these safety issues is outpacing the government’s initiatives aimed at enhancing security, making the road to restoring the country’s tourism reputation a challenging endeavor.
Meanwhile, flight bookings from China to Japan have surged more than double compared to the previous year, attributed to the weaker yen and exceptionally low airfares. This resurgence has allowed Japan to surpass Thailand as the favored destination for Chinese travelers during the recent holiday.
Japan welcomed a historic 980,000 tourists from China last month, compared to approximately 711,000 visitors to Thailand in the same timeframe.
In response to rising concerns, Bangkok authorities have worked diligently to dismantle operations linked to illicit businesses in Myanmar and cooperate on curtailing scam centers that recently released over 1,000 foreign workers.
Whether these enforcement efforts will successfully reclaim the confidence of Chinese tourists, who are vital to Thailand’s tourism industry, remains uncertain. The tourism sector contributes nearly 12% to the nation’s GDP and provides employment for a significant portion of the population, with forecasts estimating $55 billion in revenue this year.
Current indicators suggest that Thailand may struggle to meet its targets for Chinese visitor numbers unless safety concerns are promptly addressed. If these issues persist, projections indicate that the country could see fewer than 7.5 million Chinese arrivals in 2025.
Despite ongoing challenges, there are indications that fears surrounding travel to Thailand are beginning to ease. While March bookings remain approximately 10% lower week-on-week, flight demand for the upcoming months is on the rise.
Industry experts assert that more needs to be done to diversify tourism offerings beyond the well-trodden paths of Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai, in order to appeal to a broader spectrum of visitors. There’s a growing trend among both international tourists and locals to choose destinations outside Thailand, necessitating a strategic shift to attract quality travelers.
