Chinese tourists landing in Bangkok got a VIP welcome on Monday, as Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin personally greeted the first batch of visitors to arrive in Thailand after it waived visas for Chinese nationals to boost the key tourism industry.
Dancers in traditional costumes and puppeteers put on performances for the bemused visitors, who came in on a flight from Shanghai. Many stopped to take selfies with Srettha.
Tourism is a crucial driver of Southeast Asia's second-largest economy, known for its picturesque beaches and vibrant nightlife, and reviving an industry that was hard hit by the pandemic is one of the priorities of newly elected Srettha, who inherited an underperforming economy.from what was once Thailand's biggest market are flying in, a situation Srettha hopes the visa waiver can help fix.
"We are confident this policy will stimulate the economy," the prime minister told reporters at Suvarnabhumi airport, adding that tourist safety will be prioritised. The visa waiver programme runs from Sept. 25 until February next year. The government expects 2.88 million Chinese visitors during that 5-month period, slightly higher than the 2.34 million Chinese who have visited this year.
The visa waiver was helping draw in new visitors by making it simpler to enter, said tourist Gu Siyi, 25, who was travelling to Thailand for the first time with friends.Before the pandemic, China was the largest source of tourists for Thailand, accounting for 11 million arrivals out of a record 39.9 million tourists in 2019, and spending 1.91 trillion baht .
México Últimas Noticias, México Titulares
Similar News:También puedes leer noticias similares a ésta que hemos recopilado de otras fuentes de noticias.
Chinese government sentences a famed Uyghur scholar to life in prison, foundation saysA human rights foundation says a prominent Uyghur scholar specializing in the study of her people’s folklore and traditions has been sentenced to life in prison in China
Leer más »
Taiwan warns of 'accident' risks as Chinese drills 'getting out of hand'Warships from China's southern and eastern theatre commands have been operating together off Taiwan's east coast, and the risks of activities involving aircraft, ships, and weapons will increase
Leer más »
Philippines condemns Chinese 'floating barrier' in South China SeaThe Philippines on Sunday accused China's coast guard of installing a 'floating barrier' in a disputed area of the South China Sea, which it said prevents Filipinos from entering and fishing in the area.
Leer más »
Philippines condemns Chinese ‘floating barrier’ in South China SeaThe Philippines on Sunday accused China’s coast guard of installing a “floating barrier” in a disputed area of the South China Sea, saying it prevented Filipinos from entering and…
Leer más »
Chinese gold buying is driving a paradigm shift in bullionAs inflation-adjusted rates soared this year to the highest since the financial crisis, bullion has barely blinked.
Leer más »