The number of Chinese tourists visiting Samui has doubled since last year, according to Mr.Vichit Prakobkoson, president of the Thai-Chinese Tourism Relationship Association. He said most of these tourists are drawn to the island by cheap package tours. Tour operators specializing on the Chinese market offer chartered tours to the island at less than Bt10,000 per tourist. The amount, he said, usually takes care of return ticket, meals and hotel accommodation,
Small planes with a maximum capacity of 200 passengers are often used to take these tourists direct to Samui from China.
Mr. Vichit said this low-cost approach to bring in tourists from China should be encouraged among other tour operators. Using this strategy, the island could bring in up to 3 million Chinese tourists a year.
During this high tourist season, which started in November, Chinese arrivals on Samui have increased by 50 percent compared with that of last year. In Bangkok, the increase has been comparatively low – at only 20 percent, Mr. Vichit said.
Since most parts of China are landlocked, Chinese tourists prefer the beaches than other attractions. This explains why, Vichit said, Chinese tourists opt to go to Samui than Bangkok.
These tourists are flown in from China through chartered flights coming from Shanghai, Beijing and Kunming.
Vichit said the government should do its promoting the country among the Chinese by ensuring peace and political stability in the country. Political uncertainties, he said, could dampen the Chinese’s interest in Thailand. – Chat Anupan
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