Visa waivers, luxury hotels and a hit TV show: Why Thailand is the top travel destination for 2025
2 days, 12 hours ago

Visa waivers, luxury hotels and a hit TV show: Why Thailand is the top travel destination for 2025

Hindustan Times  

Thailand saw foreign tourist arrivals jump 26% last year after the tourism-reliant nation eased entry rules and waived visas for Chinese, the largest group of visitors to the Southeast Asian country. An estimated 35.5 million tourists visited Thailand last year, up from 28.2 million in 2023, according to provisional data from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. The country had set a record for tourist arrivals and revenue generation a year before the pandemic in 2019, with almost 40 million visitors and $60 billion in tourism revenue. Chinese tourist arrivals totaled 6.7 million last year, about 60% of the pre-pandemic record of 11.1 million in 2019.

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History of this topic

Cambodia lowers e-visa prices for tourists
1 week, 4 days ago

Cambodia lowers e-visa prices for tourists

China Daily  

Xinhua | Updated: 2024-12-28 21:26 PHNOM PENH -- The Cambodian government on Saturday decided to reduce e-visa fees for tourists and business or ordinary people, taking effect from Jan 1, 2025. Thourn Sinan, chairman of the Pacific Asia Travel Association Cambodia chapter, said the reduction was unlikely to significantly boost the tourism industry. "To attract more tourists, we urge the …

India’s drought of foreign tourist arrivals: Is there an end in sight?
3 weeks, 6 days ago

India’s drought of foreign tourist arrivals: Is there an end in sight?

Live Mint  

India, as the world’s most populous nation, teems with people. By contrast, with the peak season still ahead, Vietnam received 14.4 million foreign tourists in the first 10 months of the year. In comparison to both these popular Southeast Asian destinations, India’s better hotels look expensive partly because of a hefty 18% goods and services tax on luxury hotel bills. …

Chinese tourists return to global markets
2 months ago

Chinese tourists return to global markets

China Daily  

Chinese visitors immerse themselves in the enchanting allure of AlUla's vast Saudi Arabian desert, enjoying local hospitality under a breathtaking sunset. In 2019, the Chinese outbound tourism market was a global powerhouse, with Chinese travelers making 155 million trips abroad and spending an impressive $255 billion, according to data from the UN World Tourism Organization. Access matters A key driver …

Chinese tourists return to global markets
2 months ago

Chinese tourists return to global markets

China Daily  

Chinese visitors immerse themselves in the enchanting allure of AlUla's vast Saudi Arabian desert, enjoying local hospitality under a breathtaking sunset. In 2019, the Chinese outbound tourism market was a global powerhouse, with Chinese travelers making 155 million trips abroad and spending an impressive $255 billion, according to data from the UN World Tourism Organization. Access matters A key driver …

Chinese tourists return to global markets
Trending News
2 months ago

Chinese tourists return to global markets

China Daily  

By [email protected] | Wang Mingjie in London | Updated: 2024-11-07 19:03 Chinese visitors immerse themselves in the enchanting allure of AlUla's vast Saudi Arabian desert, enjoying local hospitality under a breathtaking sunset. In 2019, the Chinese outbound tourism market was a global powerhouse, with Chinese travelers making 155 million trips abroad and spending an impressive $255 billion, according to data …

Bangkok beckons: Thailand extends visa-free entry for Indian tourists — all you need to know
2 months ago

Bangkok beckons: Thailand extends visa-free entry for Indian tourists — all you need to know

Live Mint  

Thailand has extended the visa-free entry policy for Indian travellers. However, the elimination of documentation increased the number of Indian tourists to around 16.17 million between January and mid-October this year. Thailand’s visa-entry policy was introduced in November 2023 and has been attracting many Indian tourists since then. Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar and Vietnam have witnessed around 70 million …

Destination of growth for outbound tourism
3 months, 2 weeks ago

Destination of growth for outbound tourism

China Daily  

Visitors enjoy getting wet during the Songkran water-splashing festival in Thailand. Between Jan 1 and Aug 17, more than 4.53 million Chinese tourists visited Thailand, solidifying China's position as the country's largest source of tourism, according to Thai authorities. This trend is supported by multiple factors, such as the bilateral visa-free policy and the stable demand for travel, and should …

China reaches comprehensive mutual visa exemption agreement with 23 countries
4 months, 1 week ago

China reaches comprehensive mutual visa exemption agreement with 23 countries

China Daily  

China now enjoys comprehensive mutual visa exemption with 23 countries after reaching an agreement on mutual visa exemption with Thailand on Jan 28. Also, China has reached deals on mutual visa exemptions covering different passports with 157 countries and agreements on simplifying visa procedures with 44 countries. Recently, the French government has announced that Chinese master's degree holders who have …

Why Thailand is making it easier for travelers to stay longer
5 months, 1 week ago

Why Thailand is making it easier for travelers to stay longer

CNN  

Bangkok CNN — Maybe you want to escape the winter months at home, opting instead to take care of your business on a laptop from the comfort of your rented Phuket villa as you gaze over the Andaman Sea. “The incremental value of just having more and more people isn’t being felt, so they need to find ways to actually …

Japan sees record 17.78 million visitors in first half of 2024
5 months, 2 weeks ago

Japan sees record 17.78 million visitors in first half of 2024

Al Jazeera  

Japan welcomed a record 17.78 million foreign visitors in the first half of 2024, the country’s tourism agency has said, as the weak yen helped drive tourist numbers above pre-pandemic levels. The January-June figure announced by the Japan National Tourism Organization on Friday is more than one million more people than the previous high of 16.63 million in 2019. Kyoto’s …

Thailand eyes robust 2025 tourism revenue growth
5 months, 3 weeks ago

Thailand eyes robust 2025 tourism revenue growth

China Daily  

TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool delivers a speech on July 15, explaining TAT's marketing plan for 2025. Thai tourism authorities have set a target of more than 7 percent growth in tourism revenue next year, with various promotions and activities to be launched for Chinese tourists in particular. The Tourism Authority of Thailand announced on July 15 the "Amazing Thailand Grand …

One million Indian tourists visited Thailand between January and June 2024
5 months, 3 weeks ago

One million Indian tourists visited Thailand between January and June 2024

The Hindu  

In a stark increase from 2023, the number of tourists from India to Thailand has crossed the one-million mark between January and June this year, according to the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Kolkata. “A total of 1,04,0069 tourists from all over India visited Thailand in just the first six months of this year,” the Thai Consul-General in Kolkata Siriporn Tantipanyathep …

Thailand makes sweeping changes for foreign travellers in record tourism bid
7 months, 1 week ago

Thailand makes sweeping changes for foreign travellers in record tourism bid

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. The country said on Tuesday it had approved longer …

Schengen-like visa for Thailand, Vietnam, 4 other nations: Is it a win-win deal for tourists?
9 months ago

Schengen-like visa for Thailand, Vietnam, 4 other nations: Is it a win-win deal for tourists?

Live Mint  

Thailand along with Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar and Vietnam hosted about 70 million tourists last year. And anticipating a tourism boom in the coming years, Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is steering an initiative for a Schengen-type visa program for the six nations in South East Asia. The facility will ensure seamless mobility for travelers among the six neighboring countries …

China reaches comprehensive mutual visa exemption agreement with 23 countries
9 months, 1 week ago

China reaches comprehensive mutual visa exemption agreement with 23 countries

China Daily  

China now enjoys comprehensive mutual visa exemption with 23 countries after reaching an agreement on mutual visa exemption with Thailand on Jan 28. Also, China has reached deals on mutual visa exemptions covering different passports with 157 countries and agreements on simplifying visa procedures with 44 countries. Recently, the French government has announced that Chinese master's degree holders who have …

China reaches comprehensive mutual visa exemption agreement with 23 countries
9 months, 1 week ago

China reaches comprehensive mutual visa exemption agreement with 23 countries

China Daily  

China now enjoys comprehensive mutual visa exemption with 23 countries after reaching an agreement on mutual visa exemption with Thailand on Jan 28. Also, China has reached deals on mutual visa exemptions covering different passports with 157 countries and agreements on simplifying visa procedures with 44 countries. Recently, the French government has announced that Chinese master's degree holders who have …

Want to travel to Thailand? These flights could start soon
9 months, 3 weeks ago

Want to travel to Thailand? These flights could start soon

Hindustan Times  

India-Thailand Travel: India and Thailand agreed to expand flight connectivity to boost trade and tourism, signing a memorandum of understanding on air services in Bangkok. But now, Indian carriers will be able to expand frequencies and add new destinations in Thailand with a staggered increase in the current entitlement of 32,000 seats per week, it was reported. This will be …

Chinese, Thai tourist numbers surge
10 months, 1 week ago

Chinese, Thai tourist numbers surge

China Daily  

A tourism promotion website by Thai tourism authorities. The number of Chinese tourists visiting Thailand has increased by 30 percent year-on-year, major Chinese travel agency Trip.com Group reported on March 1. Since Thailand announced the policy last year, the number of Chinese tourists visiting Thailand has undergone a rapid increase, especially during the New Year and Spring Festival periods. At …

Chinese, Thai tourist numbers surge
10 months, 1 week ago

Chinese, Thai tourist numbers surge

China Daily  

A tourism promotion website by Thai tourism authorities. The number of Chinese tourists visiting Thailand has increased by 30 percent year-on-year, major Chinese travel agency Trip.com Group reported on March 1. Since Thailand announced the policy last year, the number of Chinese tourists visiting Thailand has undergone a rapid increase, especially during the New Year and Spring Festival periods. At …

Countries embrace returning Chinese travelers for Lunar New Year and beyond
10 months, 3 weeks ago

Countries embrace returning Chinese travelers for Lunar New Year and beyond

China Daily  

A Chinese tourist poses for photos in a street in Bangkok, Thailand, Feb. 4, 2024. Singapore, which also signed a visa-free agreement with China last month, experienced a recovery in its tourism sector last year, with the Chinese mainland topping its tourist spending chart. "We are creating a comprehensive tourism product that will move all Chinese visitors," said Dimitris Fragakis, …

Countries embrace returning Chinese travelers for Lunar New Year and beyond
10 months, 3 weeks ago

Countries embrace returning Chinese travelers for Lunar New Year and beyond

China Daily  

Chinese tourists visit the Giza Pyramids scenic spot in Giza, Egypt, on Feb. 8, 2024. It is our first time here, and we are enjoying it," said Wang Shupeng, a 40-year-old father of twin daughters from Beijing, who chose the East African country for his family Lunar New Year trip. Families such as the Wangs and Lis are symbolic of …

China reaches comprehensive mutual visa exemption agreement with 23 countries
11 months ago

China reaches comprehensive mutual visa exemption agreement with 23 countries

China Daily  

China now enjoys comprehensive mutual visa exemption with 23 countries after reaching an agreement on mutual visa exemption with Thailand on Jan 28. Also, China has reached deals on mutual visa exemptions covering different passports with 157 countries and agreements on simplifying visa procedures with 44 countries. Recently, the French government has announced that Chinese master's degree holders who have …

Friendly visa policies to help boost tourism
11 months, 4 weeks ago

Friendly visa policies to help boost tourism

China Daily  

As the global tourism industry continues to woo Chinese travelers, China is reciprocating the gesture of goodwill by offering more friendly visa policies to attract overseas visitors and reignite inbound tourism, making it a strong driver for economic development. Yang Jinsong, director of the International Institute at the China Tourism Academy, said that China's visa-free policy has demonstrated its well-intentioned …

Friendly visa policies to help boost tourism
11 months, 4 weeks ago

Friendly visa policies to help boost tourism

China Daily  

As the global tourism industry continues to woo Chinese travelers, China is reciprocating the gesture of goodwill by offering more friendly visa policies to attract overseas visitors and reignite inbound tourism, making it a strong driver for economic development. Yang Jinsong, director of the International Institute at the China Tourism Academy, said that China's visa-free policy has demonstrated its well-intentioned …

Friendly visa policies to help boost tourism
11 months, 4 weeks ago

Friendly visa policies to help boost tourism

China Daily  

As the global tourism industry continues to woo Chinese travelers, China is reciprocating the gesture of goodwill by offering more friendly visa policies to attract overseas visitors and reignite inbound tourism, making it a strong driver for economic development. Yang Jinsong, director of the International Institute at the China Tourism Academy, said that China's visa-free policy has demonstrated its well-intentioned …

Friendly visa policies to help boost tourism
11 months, 4 weeks ago

Friendly visa policies to help boost tourism

China Daily  

As the global tourism industry continues to woo Chinese travelers, China is reciprocating the gesture of goodwill by offering more friendly visa policies to attract overseas visitors and reignite inbound tourism, making it a strong driver for economic development. Yang Jinsong, director of the International Institute at the China Tourism Academy, said that China's visa-free policy has demonstrated its well-intentioned …

Friendly visa policies to help boost tourism
11 months, 4 weeks ago

Friendly visa policies to help boost tourism

China Daily  

As the global tourism industry continues to woo Chinese travelers, China is reciprocating the gesture of goodwill by offering more friendly visa policies to attract overseas visitors and reignite inbound tourism, making it a strong driver for economic development. Yang Jinsong, director of the International Institute at the China Tourism Academy, said that China's visa-free policy has demonstrated its well-intentioned …

Friendly visa policies to help boost tourism
11 months, 4 weeks ago

Friendly visa policies to help boost tourism

China Daily  

As the global tourism industry continues to woo Chinese travelers, China is reciprocating the gesture of goodwill by offering more friendly visa policies to attract overseas visitors and reignite inbound tourism, making it a strong driver for economic development. Yang Jinsong, director of the International Institute at the China Tourism Academy, said that China's visa-free policy has demonstrated its well-intentioned …

Thailand set to permanently waive visa for Chinese visitors
1 year ago

Thailand set to permanently waive visa for Chinese visitors

China Daily  

Thailand will permanently waive visa requirements for Chinese tourists starting on March 1, Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced on Tuesday after a Cabinet meeting in Bangkok. After negotiations with related Chinese authorities, the Thai government has now opted to adopt a permanent visa-free policy for Chinese tourists starting on March 1, Srettha said at a news conference following the …

Thailand set to permanently waive visa for Chinese visitors
1 year ago

Thailand set to permanently waive visa for Chinese visitors

China Daily  

Chinese visitors tour in Bangkok, Thailand in this file photo of Oct 7, 2023. Thailand will permanently waive visa requirements for Chinese tourists starting on March 1, Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced on Tuesday after a Cabinet meeting in Bangkok. After negotiations with related Chinese authorities, the Thai government has now opted to adopt a permanent visa-free policy for …

Thailand set to permanently waive visa for Chinese visitors
1 year ago

Thailand set to permanently waive visa for Chinese visitors

China Daily  

By YANG WANLI in Bangkok| China Daily| Updated :2024-01-04 Thailand will permanently waive visa requirements for Chinese tourists starting on March 1, Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced on Tuesday after a Cabinet meeting in Bangkok. After negotiations with related Chinese authorities, the Thai government has now opted to adopt a permanent visa-free policy for Chinese tourists starting on March …

Thailand set to permanently waive visa for Chinese visitors
1 year ago

Thailand set to permanently waive visa for Chinese visitors

China Daily  

Chinese visitors tour in Bangkok, Thailand in this file photo of Oct 7, 2023. Thailand will permanently waive visa requirements for Chinese tourists starting on March 1, Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced on Tuesday after a Cabinet meeting in Bangkok. After negotiations with related Chinese authorities, the Thai government has now opted to adopt a permanent visa-free policy for …

New Year holiday fuels passion for foreign trips
1 year ago

New Year holiday fuels passion for foreign trips

China Daily  

Chinese tourists tour the Grand Palace in Bangkok, Thailand. The outbound tourism market is expected to see robust growth during the upcoming New Year's Day holiday from Dec 30 to Jan 1, with Asian countries as top destinations, tourism operators said. Chinese leading online travel agency Ctrip said that as of Dec 15, bookings for outbound trips for the holiday …

New Year holiday fuels passion for foreign trips
1 year ago

New Year holiday fuels passion for foreign trips

China Daily  

Chinese tourists tour the Grand Palace in Bangkok, Thailand. The outbound tourism market is expected to see robust growth during the upcoming New Year's Day holiday from Dec 30 to Jan 1, with Asian countries as top destinations, tourism operators said. Chinese leading online travel agency Ctrip said that as of Dec 15, bookings for outbound trips for the holiday …

Foreign tourist arrivals up, still below pre-pandemic levels
1 year ago

Foreign tourist arrivals up, still below pre-pandemic levels

The Hindu  

There has been a significant increase in the number of foreign tourists visiting India in 2023 with 7.24 million footfalls till October 31 this year as compared to 6.44 million for the corresponding period in 2022. In 2018 and 2019, India has seen 10.56 million and 10.93 million foreign tourist arrivals respectively, which dipped to 2.74 million in 2020 and …

Indonesia may issue free entry visas to Indian travellers. Details here
1 year ago

Indonesia may issue free entry visas to Indian travellers. Details here

Live Mint  

In an effort to push up tourist visits and bring a multiplier effect on the economy, the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism has proposed issuing free entry visas to travelers from 20 countries including India. "The ministry proposed 20 countries with the highest foreign tourists, except for those with existing visa exemptions," Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno …

Malaysians top list of tourists visiting Thailand as Chinese miss target
1 year, 1 month ago

Malaysians top list of tourists visiting Thailand as Chinese miss target

Firstpost  

Thailand’s economy is expected to grow 2.8% to 3.3% next year. If the government’s plan to give away 500 billion baht to Thais via a digital wallet is successful, that would add 1.0% to 1.5% in GDP growth, the group said. Thailand is expected to reach its goal of 28 million foreign tourist arrivals this year, aided by a surge …

Why are fewer Chinese tourists visiting Thailand?
1 year, 1 month ago

Why are fewer Chinese tourists visiting Thailand?

Hindustan Times  

Thailand's tourism bureau estimates nearly 1.5 million fewer visitors from China in 2023 than had originally been expected at the beginning of the year. There are fewer Chinese tourists in Bangkok's Chinatown this year Changing trends in Chinese tourism Vincent Zhuang, a journalist from China and former editor at the Robb Report, a luxury-lifestyle magazine, said Chinese travel trends are …

Thailand: Clubs, bars to stay open for longer hours in THESE cities
1 year, 1 month ago

Thailand: Clubs, bars to stay open for longer hours in THESE cities

Live Mint  

Written By Sanchari Ghosh In a bid to draw in more tourists during the holiday season, the Thailand government has given its nod to extend opening hours of nightclubs and entertainment venues in specific regions. Government spokesperson Traisulee Traisaranakul said on Tuesday, “Entertainment venues, clubs and karaoke bars in Bangkok, Phuket, Pattya, Chiang Mai and Samui, popular tourist destinations, will …

Japan tourism sees monthly tourist numbers return to pre-Covid level
1 year, 1 month ago

Japan tourism sees monthly tourist numbers return to pre-Covid level

Hindustan Times  

More tourists came to Japan in October than in the same month in 2019 before the pandemic, a development that will offer support for the economy after it shrank over the summer. Japan tourism sees monthly tourist numbers return to pre-Covid level The number of visitors was about 2.52 million, compared with roughly 2.50 million in October 2019, Japan’s National …

Thailand extends visa-free entry to Indian, Taiwanese tourists for six months
1 year, 2 months ago

Thailand extends visa-free entry to Indian, Taiwanese tourists for six months

Live Mint  

In an effort to attract more tourists as the high season approaches, Thailand has announced the temporary removal of visa requirements for travellers from India and Taiwan starting next month and continuing until May 2024. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin informed reporters that travellers from India and Taiwan will enjoy visa-free entry to Thailand from November 10th to May 10th this …

Thailand to waive off visa requirement for Indian travellers
1 year, 2 months ago

Thailand to waive off visa requirement for Indian travellers

Hindustan Times  

Thailand will waive visa requirements for arrivals from India and Taiwan from next month to May 2024, a government official said on Tuesday, in a bid to draw in more tourists as high season approaches. Thailand in September scrapped visa requirements for Chinese tourists, the country's top pre-pandemic tourism market with 11 million of the record 39 million arrivals in …

Thailand to waive visas for India, Taiwan to boost tourism
1 year, 2 months ago

Thailand to waive visas for India, Taiwan to boost tourism

Firstpost  

Thailand will waive visa requirements for arrivals from India and Taiwan from next month to May 2024, a government official said on Tuesday, in a bid to draw in more tourists as high season approaches Thailand will waive visa requirements for arrivals from India and Taiwan from next month to May 2024, a government official said on Tuesday, in a …

Chinese companies help Thailand to boost tourism
1 year, 2 months ago

Chinese companies help Thailand to boost tourism

China Daily  

Srettha Thavisin, prime minister of Thailand, delivers a speech at the signing ceremony in Beijing. The Tourism Authority of Thailand signed a strategic cooperation letter of intent with eight leading Chinese companies in Beijing on Thursday: Ant Group, Trip.com Group, Huawei, iQIYI, JegoTrip, Meituan and Spring Airlines. The goal is to further meet the diverse needs of Chinese tourists, rebuild …

Chinese companies help Thailand to boost tourism
1 year, 2 months ago

Chinese companies help Thailand to boost tourism

China Daily  

Srettha Thavisin, prime minister of Thailand, delivers a speech at the signing ceremony in Beijing. The Tourism Authority of Thailand signed a strategic cooperation letter of intent with eight leading Chinese companies in Beijing on Thursday: Ant Group, Trip.com Group, Huawei, iQIYI, JegoTrip, Meituan and Spring Airlines. The goal is to further meet the diverse needs of Chinese tourists, rebuild …

Sri Lanka plans to attract 2.5 million tourists in 2024
1 year, 3 months ago

Sri Lanka plans to attract 2.5 million tourists in 2024

Deccan Chronicle  

Kolkata: Sri Lanka, which has been on the path of recovery after internal political turmoil, has set a target to attract 2.5 million tourists in 2024 to boost it's economy. Nalin Perera, director general of Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority shared the details during the island nation's roadshow in the city to promote tourism weeks after West Bengal chief minister …

Thailand's government, seeking return of tourists from China, approves visa-free entry for 5 months
1 year, 3 months ago

Thailand's government, seeking return of tourists from China, approves visa-free entry for 5 months

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thailand’s new government Wednesday approved …

Thailand likely to ease visa rules to lure tourists from China and India
1 year, 4 months ago

Thailand likely to ease visa rules to lure tourists from China and India

Hindustan Times  

Thailand is likely to ease visa rules for Chinese and Indian travellers and allow longer stays for visitors from all nations as new Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin looks for ways to boost tourism revenue to nearly $100 billion next year. Thailand likely to ease visa rules to lure tourists from China and India Chinese — the largest group of visitors …

Thailand eases visa applications to woo tourists
1 year, 4 months ago

Thailand eases visa applications to woo tourists

China Daily  

A tourist feeds elephants at a sanctuary in Phuket, Thailand, in April, 2023. Thailand is easing its visa application process by reducing approval time and required documents in a bid to attract more foreign tourists, a government official said Thursday. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has streamlined the application for a tourist visa, decreasing the number of supporting documents and …

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