Chiang Mai wants action after big drop in Chinese tourists
NORTHERN Chiang Mai province’s tourism operators today (Oct 9, 2018) came up with a host of suggestions on drawing back Chinese tourists after the total number of arrivals dropped by as much as 40 to 50% in the first 3 quarters of this year, the Thai –language daily Matichon reported.
However Mr Thonkorn Inthoyotha, director of Tourism Council of Thailand branch office in Chiang Mai and who led today’s discussions, said the situation is a bit better in this the last quarter of the year with the number of Chinese holidaymakers staying steady.
Among the suggestions being tabled to Chiang Mai Governor Supachai Iamsawan to consider implementing are halting 2,000 baht visa fee for Chinese tourists; halting all under the table payments to agents and officials to process visas quickly, setting up a tourist service center or call center, and putting up no tip and welcome signs in Chinese language with the first ones to come in Chiang Mai.
They also urged that Chinese language be taught at all levels in Thai schools to help the students in their future careers.
A copy of their suggestions was submitted to China’s Consulate-General in this northern city.
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Top: Tourists at a Chiang Mai landmark. Photo: Matichon
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