Photo: Tommy Walker/Al Jazeera
Bangkok's vibrant Chinatown was illuminated with red lanterns and festive banners to mark the Lunar New Year, drawing a lively crowd. During the Year of the Dragon celebrations, ethnic Chinese Thais gathered at temples, notably Wat Mangkon Kamalawat, adorned in traditional cheongsam dresses. Yaowarat Road bustled with lion dancers, attracting a diverse audience, including Chinese tourists benefiting from the eased visa requirements.
The Lunar New Year festivities played a pivotal role in revitalizing tourism, particularly with the bilateral visa exemption and proactive marketing led by Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. The temporary visa waiver, initiated in September, became a permanent mutual visa exemption with China starting from March 1.
Deputy Governor Nithee Seeprae of the Tourism Authority of Thailand expressed enthusiasm about the positive impact, citing daily arrivals reaching nearly 28,000 since February 1, nearly restoring pre-COVID levels. Government reports indicated four million tourists from January 1 to February 8, with over 730,000 being Chinese visitors.
Phuket, a sought-after destination, experienced a surge in tourism, anticipating 49,000 daily arrivals during the Chinese New Year period. The festival aligns with Thailand's high season from November to March, drawing tourists from mainland China.
Luxury resorts, like the Hyatt Regency Phuket Resort, reported occupancy exceeding expectations. Chinese tourists, constituting about 12% of the resort's business, contributed to a 5% increase in travelers compared to the previous year.
While the current influx signals a positive trend, the numbers remain below the record-breaking 2019 figures when Chinese visitors exceeded 11 million. Challenges in 2020 and 2021, including economic factors, domestic travel preferences, and isolated incidents affecting perceptions, contributed to reduced Chinese arrivals. However, the recent surge indicates a rebound in China's outbound travel.
Tourism analyst Gary Bowerman emphasized strong demand for travel to Thailand from China in the early months of 2024, suggesting a more promising year compared to 2023. Thai tourism officials project over eight million arrivals from China by the end of 2024.
Looking ahead, efforts to enhance connectivity include discussions about new flight routes from China to Thai cities like Udon Thani and Hat Yai. The Tourism Authority remains optimistic about Thailand's trajectory to meet its arrivals target by the close of 2024, emphasizing continued promotion and building tourist confidence.
#breakingnews #worldnews #headlines #topstories #globalUpdate #dxbnewsnetwork #dxbnews #dxbdnn #dxbnewsnetworkdnn #LunarNewYearCelebration #ChinatownBangkok #ThaiTourism #ChineseTourists #VisaExemption #TravelRecovery #TourismRevival #PhuketTravel #YearOfTheDragon #CulturalFestivities #BilateralVisaWaiver #TourismOptimism #HyattRegencyPhuket #TravelTrends2024
how digital health is revolutionizing healthcare with cutting-edge technology. From telemedicine to wearable devices, discover how technology is improving patie...Read More.
One in four Eurostar trains will be cancelled this weekend due to arson attacks disrupting services ahead of the Olympics in France....Read More.
Bill Gates-Backed Startup Creates Animal-Free Butter from Thin Air
A California startup, supported by Bill Gates, is producing butter using carbon dioxide extracted fr
Divyanka Tripathi and Vivek Dahiya Return to Mumbai Safely After Robbery in Europe: 'Home Always Brings Peace
Actress Divyanka Tripathi and her husband Vivek Dahiya enjoyed a holiday in Europe earlier this mont
United Airlines Passenger Bites Flight Attendant on Newark-Bound Plane
Flight attendants are seen trying to calm the situation by using zip-ties to secure her wrists.
Elon Musk Takes a Dig at Sam Altman Driving One of World’s Priciest Cars
A video of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman driving one of the world's most exclusive and expensive hypercars s
Wife's Instagram Post Leads to Arrest of Brazilian Drug Lord
Brazilian drug lord's location revealed by wife's Instagram post, leading to his arrest after two ye
How Digital Health and Technology Are Changing Healthcare Today
how digital health is revolutionizing healthcare with cutting-edge technology. From telemedicine to wearable devices, discover how technology is improving patie
One in Four Eurostar Trains Cancelled After Arson Attacks in Paris
One in four Eurostar trains will be cancelled this weekend due to arson attacks disrupting services ahead of the Olympics in France.
Paris Train Sabotage Hours Before Olympics, Travel Alert Issued
Chaos on Paris Railways: Travelers Urged to Exercise Caution as Sabotage Paralyses French Rail Network Hours Before Olympic Ceremony
Harry Reveals Tabloid Crusade Impacted Royal Relations
In a Thursday documentary, Prince Harry revealed that his battle against British tabloids has played a role in the ongoing rift with his royal family.
Abu Dhabi Executive Council has issued a resolution appointing Abdulla Gharib Alqemzi as the new Director General of the Statistics Centre - Abu Dhabi
5 Fruits to Make You Feel Happier and Boost Your Mood
Boost your mood with these 5 healthy fruits! Discover how fruits like bananas, berries, oranges, apples, and pineapples can elevate your mood and support mental
Typhoon Gaemi Hits China After Taiwan, Thousands Evacuated Amid Flood Warnings
Typhoon Gaemi has hit southeastern China after crossing the Taiwan Strait, triggering warnings for flooding and waterlogging.
Southwest Airlines to Begin Assigned Seating, Ending 50-Year Tradition
Southwest Airlines announced on Thursday that it will abandon its open-boarding system, used for over 50 years, and will begin assigning seats to passengers.
California Hosts Reburial for WWII Sergeant Shot Down in Germany
After 80 years, a WWII sergeant killed in Germany has been returned and reburied in California, honoring his sacrifice.
Charming Small Towns with Hidden Underground Worlds
the charming small towns that hide fascinating underground worlds. Explore hidden caves, secret tunnels, and mysterious subterran landscapes. These enchanting
WHO Dispatches Over 1 Million Polio Vaccines to Gaza for Child Protection
Although no polio cases have been reported yet, immediate action is crucial to prevent the virus from potentially affecting thousands of unprotected children in
MILSET Expo Science International 2025 to Be Held in Abu Dhabi Under Mansour Bin Zayed
Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Vice President, MILSET Expo Science International 2025 will be held in Abu Dhabi.
Trump Denounces Kamala Harris as Unfit and Radical Left
Former President Trump labeled Kamala Harris "unfit to rule" and a "radical left lunatic" at his first rally since she became the presumptive Democratic nominee
Jailed Ex-Pak PM Imran Khan Reportedly Running for Oxford University Chancellor
Mr. Bukhari informed a Pakistan media outlet that the Chancellor's post is vacant after 80-year-old Lord Patten resigned following 21 years of service.
Sunita Williams Stranded in Space Uncertain Return Plan
The US space agency reports that Sunita Williams and the eight astronauts on the ISS are safe and in 'good spirits' despite return uncertainties.
Top Surf Spots Around the World for Amazing Waves
the best surf destinations around the world, from Hawaii's legendary waves to Australia's stunning coastlines. Discover top surf spots in Bali, Portugal, Calif
Franco-Swiss Airport Evacuated for Security Ahead of Olympics Ceremony
The terminal was evacuated and closed for safety reasons," stated the Basel-Mulhouse EuroAirport, with more details to follow.
Sheikh Hamdan Heads Initial Session of Smart Systems Council
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed chaired the first meeting of the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council at Qasr Al Watan.
Dubai Chamber of Commerce receives Mediates 79 Cases in H1 2024
The Dubai Chamber of Commerce, part of the trio under Dubai Chambers, announced it successfully mediated 79 cases in the first half of 2024.
6 Easy Tips to Improve Your Concentration and Stay Focused
Discover 6 effective tips to improve concentration and stay focused. Learn how to create a distraction-free zone, break tasks into chunks, use a timer, take reg
3001E, 30 Floor, Aspin Commercial Tower, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, UAE
+971 56 450 3476
info@dxbnewsnetwork.com
© DNN. All Rights Reserved.
