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The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and UnionPay International (UPI), a leading global card scheme, have agreed to a Letter of Intent (LOI) aimed at boosting cooperation to promote high-quality tourism experiences in Thailand for Chinese tourists and UnionPay cardholders.
The LOI was formally signed by Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of TAT, and Mr. Wang Lixin of UnionPay International, with Ms. Chang Yumeng, Counsellor for Cultural Affairs at the Chinese Embassy in Thailand, witnessing the event. Key executives from both organizations were present at the signing ceremony held at the TAT Head Office in Bangkok.
Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT Governor, said “This TAT-UnionPay International agreement supports the Thai government’s tourism policy to forge long-term strategic partnerships with leading players in key tourist markets. China is one of Thailand’s largest markets. Following the visa-free policy for Chinese tourists, further enhancement of cooperation with Chinese counterparts will help facilitate travel as well as develop and promote quality tourism experiences in Thailand for Chinese visitors.
“This latest agreement also aligns with the TAT’s Partnership 360 strategy,” Ms. Thapanee added. “Specifically for the Chinese market, studies have indicated that Chinese tourists have high purchasing power and that they prefer Thailand as a travel destination. And so buoyed by the 30-day visa-free stay, the partnership with UnionPay International would result in several initiatives to stimulate Chinese tourists to visit Thailand and spend more on Thai tourism products and services.”
The TAT-UnionPay International Letter of Intent (LOI) is valid for two years. During this period, TAT and UnionPay International will collaborate on various initiatives including joint marketing, promotions, press releases, data sharing, and targeting high-end customers.
The partnership aims to attract Chinese tourists and UnionPay cardholders to Thailand, enhancing insights into their spending habits.
Targeted marketing efforts will focus on UnionPay’s premium clients, such as those with Platinum, Diamond, or higher-tier cards, or clients with high incomes. These initiatives are designed to encourage visits to Thailand and increase spending.
Mr. Wang Lixin, UnionPay International, said “UnionPay is one of China’s leading payment brands, whereas China is a pioneer in cashless transactions, and UnionPay cards are accepted in more than 180 countries and regions with nearly 67 million merchants outside China’s mainland. This cooperation will leverage UnionPay’s network to present Thailand’s quality tourism offerings in the Chinese market while stimulating UnionPay cardholders to spend more for special privileges.”
From January 1 to April 21, 2024, a total of 2,152,167 Chinese tourists visited Thailand, establishing China as the leading source of tourism for the country.
Starting March 1, 2024, Thailand and China implemented a visa waiver agreement for their citizens. Thai citizens with ordinary passports and Chinese citizens with passports for public affairs and ordinary passports can now enter, exit, or transit through each other’s countries without a visa for stays up to 30 days. The total duration of stay cannot exceed 90 days within any 180-day period.
However, this visa exemption does not apply to those intending to live, work, study, participate in media activities, or engage in other activities that require prior approval from the relevant authorities of the visiting country.
The post TAT and UnionPay Partner to Boost Tourism for 2.1 Million Chinese Travelers in Thailand from January to April, 2024 appeared first on Travel And Tour World.
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