The 2nd Thailand Road Show in China is being orginized by the Tourism Authority of Thailand during 26-31 August 2007. Invitations have been sent out to the private sector to join the roadshow which covers China`s commercial capital of Shanghai as well as the emerging cities of Nanjing and Guangzhou.

China has been one of the fastest growing markets in terms of visitor arrivals to Thailand in the last few years. However, arrivals have been affected in the first half of 2007, and the roadshow is designed to help reverse the decline by providing the necessary assurances to the Chinese travel trade, and also introduce many of the new products and services.

TAT Governor Mrs. Phornsiri Manoharn, Governor of Tourism Authority of Thailand met with Mr. Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn, the newly elected chairman of the Thai–China Tour Operators Association, members of his committee, as well as association members to discuss the launch of “quality tour packages”.

These special packages include many of the main attractions, sightseeing spots, shopping opportunities, and other services designed to enhance the satisfaction levels of Chinese visitors and help them steer clear of the so-called “zero-cost tours.”

Mrs. Phornsiri noted that in 2006, China was the fourth largest source of visitors for Thailand after Malaysia, Japan, and South Korea. Visitor arrivals from China crossed the one million mark for the first time, touching 1,033,305, which generated tourism income of 28,849 million baht.

Last April, Thailand was voted one of the world`s most favourite destinations for Chinese tourists. In January-June 2007, Chinese visitor arrivals at Suvarnabhumi Airport tabulated by nationality totalled 364,642, a decline by 20.41%.

Mrs Phornsiri said she expected the roadshow to help arrest the decline and give TAT a chance to re-orient the visitor profile towards the high-end market and highlight the quality products and services featured in the new quality tour packages.

She said that Chinese tour operators who sell these quality packages will be provided with the necessary marketing promotion support by TAT and the Thai-China Tour Operators Association. They will also be provided with an official seal of approval, so that their products can be clearly distinguished by the clients.

A number of familiarization trips have been organised by TAT for Chinese tour operators and travel media to visit Thailand and see for themselves the new Thai products and services.

“We are confident that with the full support of the private sector in selling these quality tour packages, the Thai tourism industry will regain the trust of Chinese visitors and also create a new market opportunity for Thai tour operators,” Mrs Phornsiri said.

Thailand and China established diplomatic relations in 1975. Two-way trade during January-August 2007 grew 30 % to US$13.9 billion and Chinese investments in Thailand tripled to US$200 million.