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 a measure granting temporary visa-free entry to Chinese tourists, signaling that the recovery of the country's tourism industry is a top economic priority. The Tourism Authority of Thailand reported that around 1.4 million Chinese tourists came in the first six months of this year. Chai Wacharonke, a spokesperson for the Office of the Prime Minister, said Thailand received 15 million international visitors in the first seven months of this year. Chai praised the visa exemption scheme, saying the tourism industry is “the only economic machine remaining that can be driven with hope to generate new income quickly for Thailand.” Besides the visa exemption, other measures the Cabinet approved included a reduction in electricity fees and diesel prices, as well as a three-year debt relief program for farmers, to address the higher cost of living and other economic woes.

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History of this topic

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

Cambodia lowers e-visa prices for tourists
1 week, 5 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 …

China's visa-free policy boosts inbound tourism, facilitates exchanges one year on
1 month, 1 week ago

China's visa-free policy boosts inbound tourism, facilitates exchanges one year on

China Daily  

China's visa-free policy boosts inbound tourism, facilitates exchanges one year on Global Times Updated: Dec 02, 2024 Foreign tourists stroll along the Bund in Shanghai on June 2, 2024. "The implementation of visa-free policies has significantly boosted the inbound tourism market, further demonstrating that China's doors to the world are opening wider," Jiang Yiyi, a vice president of the School …

Lancang-Mekong tourism boosted by new cooperation initiative
1 month, 1 week ago

Lancang-Mekong tourism boosted by new cooperation initiative

China Daily  

The Chongqing International Travel Agent Conference 2024 kicked off in Southwest China's Chongqing on Nov 26, 2024, attracting approximately 400 participants. These include diplomats and consular officials and representatives from international tourism organizations, government departments, tourism industry associations, airlines, tourism enterprises, media and internet influencers. "The implementation of the visa-free policy has greatly facilitated Chinese tourists to travel to Malaysia," …

China is expanding visa-free entry to more countries in bid to boost economy
1 month, 2 weeks ago

China is expanding visa-free entry to more countries in bid to boost economy

Deccan Chronicle  

BEIJING: China announced Friday that it would expand visa-free entry to citizens of nine more countries as it seeks to boost tourism and business travel to help revive a sluggish economy. It restored the previous visa-free access for citizens of Brunei and Singapore in July 2023, and then expanded visa-free entry to six more countries — France, Germany, Italy, the …

Chinese tourists return to global markets
2 months ago

Chinese tourists return to global markets

China Daily  

Chinese tourists return to global markets By [email protected] Wang Mingjie in London Updated: Nov 08, 2024 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 …

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 tourists return to global markets By [email protected] Wang Mingjie in London Updated: Nov 08, 2024 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 …

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 …

Inbound travelers surge amid policy boost
4 months, 2 weeks ago

Inbound travelers surge amid policy boost

China Daily  

Visitors, including many from overseas, view the sights at the Palace Museum in Beijing in July. Liu Haitao, deputy director of the NIA, said that China's visa-free transit policy, which has been in place since January 2013, is continuously optimized in terms of applicable countries, ports of entry, duration of stay and available areas. Liu said that the NIA has …

Inbound travelers surge amid policy boost
4 months, 2 weeks ago

Inbound travelers surge amid policy boost

China Daily  

Visitors, including many from overseas, view the sights at the Palace Museum in Beijing in July. Liu Haitao, deputy director of the NIA, said that China's visa-free transit policy, which has been in place since January 2013, is continuously optimized in terms of applicable countries, ports of entry, duration of stay and available areas. Liu said that the NIA has …

Inbound travelers surge amid policy boost
4 months, 2 weeks ago

Inbound travelers surge amid policy boost

China Daily  

Visitors, including many from overseas, view the sights at the Palace Museum in Beijing in July. Liu Haitao, deputy director of the NIA, said that China's visa-free transit policy, which has been in place since January 2013, is continuously optimized in terms of applicable countries, ports of entry, duration of stay and available areas. Liu said that the NIA has …

Visa-free policies bearing fruit
5 months ago

Visa-free policies bearing fruit

China Daily  

YANG MEINI/FOR CHINA DAILY For Akenarong Suksupakit, the chic cafes in Shanghai, the bustling Hongya Cave commercial district in Chongqing and the giant panda base in Chengdu, Sichuan province, are no longer just destinations on a map — they are key stops for his travel business. The policy change has not only opened doors for curious Thai tourists eager to …

Visa-free policies bearing fruit
5 months ago

Visa-free policies bearing fruit

China Daily  

YANG MEINI/FOR CHINA DAILY For Akenarong Suksupakit, the chic cafes in Shanghai, the bustling Hongya Cave commercial district in Chongqing and the giant panda base in Chengdu, Sichuan province, are no longer just destinations on a map — they are key stops for his travel business. The policy change has not only opened doors for curious Thai tourists eager to …

Visa-free policies bearing fruit
5 months ago

Visa-free policies bearing fruit

China Daily  

China Daily| Updated :2024-08-07 YANG MEINI/FOR CHINA DAILY For Akenarong Suksupakit, the chic cafes in Shanghai, the bustling Hongya Cave commercial district in Chongqing and the giant panda base in Chengdu, Sichuan province, are no longer just destinations on a map — they are key stops for his travel business. The policy change has not only opened doors for curious …

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 …

Inbound tourism sees robust upsurge
6 months ago

Inbound tourism sees robust upsurge

China Daily  

China experienced a significant surge in inbound trips by foreigners in the first half of the year following the implementation of a series of favorable visa policies, with expectations for continued growth in the second half, the National Immigration Administration said on Friday. "With the continuous expansion of the 'visa-free circle' and the accelerated implementation of various policies, we anticipate …

Inbound tourism sees robust upsurge
6 months ago

Inbound tourism sees robust upsurge

China Daily  

China experienced a significant surge in inbound trips by foreigners in the first half of the year following the implementation of a series of favorable visa policies, with expectations for continued growth in the second half, the National Immigration Administration said on Friday. "With the continuous expansion of the 'visa-free circle' and the accelerated implementation of various policies, we anticipate …

Nation's inbound tourism sees robust growth in first half of 2024
6 months ago

Nation's inbound tourism sees robust growth in first half of 2024

China Daily  

Foreign tourists browse local handicrafts in Longsheng, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region in July. China experienced a significant surge in inbound trips by foreigners in the first half of the year following the implementation of a series of favorable visa policies, with expectations for continued growth in the second half, the National Immigration Administration said on Friday. "With the continuous expansion …

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 …

Travel ease taking more Chinese tourists overseas
7 months, 2 weeks ago

Travel ease taking more Chinese tourists overseas

China Daily  

Visitors walk near ancient sculptures at the Louvre Museum in Paris, France, in April. Chinese outbound tourists have shown growing enthusiasm for visiting museums overseas, and some of the most popular destinations include the Louvre Museum in Paris, the Grand Egyptian Museum in Cairo and the Erawan Museum in Bangkok, industry players found. Some other international museums sought after by …

Expanded visa-free policy shows positive results in boosting visits
8 months, 2 weeks ago

Expanded visa-free policy shows positive results in boosting visits

China Daily  

The number of foreigners coming to China in the first quarter of this year increased by more than three times compared with the same period in 2023, data recently released by the National Immigration Administration show. In the past few months, China has introduced a number of visa optimization measures, including reducing the content of visa application forms, reducing visa …

Expanded visa-free policy shows positive results in boosting visits
8 months, 2 weeks ago

Expanded visa-free policy shows positive results in boosting visits

China Daily  

Inbound passengers go through entry procedures at Haikou Meilan International Airport in Hainan province on March 1. In the past few months, China has introduced a number of visa optimization measures, including reducing the content of visa application forms, reducing visa fees, simplifying the examination and approval procedures, and piloting visa-free policies for some countries, providing more convenience for foreigners' …

Thailand tourism strategy: Single-visa initiative to attract long-haul travellers, seamless travel in ASEAN
9 months ago

Thailand tourism strategy: Single-visa initiative to attract long-haul travellers, seamless travel in ASEAN

Hindustan Times  

Thailand is steering an initiative for a joint-visa program with countries that together hosted about 70 million tourists last year as Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin ramps up initiatives to attract more long-haul and high-spending travellers. Thailand tourism strategy: Single-visa initiative to attract long-haul travellers, seamless travel in ASEAN Srettha — who’s pledged to elevate Thailand’s status as a tourism hotspot …

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 …

Chinese tourist arrivals to Cambodia's Angkor up significantly
10 months ago

Chinese tourist arrivals to Cambodia's Angkor up significantly

China Daily  

Xinhua | Updated: 2024-03-08 12:07 Located in Northwest Cambodia's Siem Reap province, the 401-square-km Angkor Archeological Park, inscribed on the World Heritage List of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization in 1992, is the most popular tourist destination in Cambodia. Officials hope that the 2024 Cambodia-China People-to-People Exchange Year starting in January would help bring Chinese tourists to …

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 …

Visa-free travel opens 'big door' to region
10 months, 2 weeks ago

Visa-free travel opens 'big door' to region

China Daily  

For millions of people across the Asia-Pacific region, traveling to and out of China is becoming easier than ever before. "The introduction of the visa-free policy, coupled with promotion on social media, holds significant importance as it is expected to attract a larger pool of potential Chinese tourists, igniting their interest and willingness to explore these four nations," Puvaneswaran Kunasekaran, …

Visa-free travel opens 'big door' to region
10 months, 3 weeks ago

Visa-free travel opens 'big door' to region

China Daily  

By PRIME SARMIENTO in Hong Kong and YANG WANLI in Bangkok| China Daily| Updated :2024-02-18 For millions of people across the Asia-Pacific region, traveling to and out of China is becoming easier than ever before. "The introduction of the visa-free policy, coupled with promotion on social media, holds significant importance as it is expected to attract a larger pool of …

Countries embrace returning Chinese travelers for Lunar New Year and beyond
10 months, 4 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, 4 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 …

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
1 year 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 to make visa-free entry for Chinese visitors permanent from March
1 year ago

Thailand to make visa-free entry for Chinese visitors permanent from March

The Hindu  

Thailand and China will soon implement visa-free entry for each other’s citizens, Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said on January 2. Chinese nationals will be granted visa-free entry on a permanent basis beginning March 1, Mr. Srettha said after his Cabinet’s weekly meeting. He said China agreed to extend visa-free entry to Thai visitors in exchange for allowing Chinese nationals …

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 …

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 …

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