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RHB Banking Group sponsors MATTA Fair

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KUALA LUMPUR, 5 March 2024: The Malaysian Association of Tour & Travel Agents (MATTA) appoints RHB Banking Group (RHB) as the Exclusive Platinum Sponsor for the 54 edition of the MATTA Fair scheduled for 22 to 24 March 2024 at MITEC, Kuala Lumpur.

RHB will offer card promotions, travel-related deals, exclusive discounts, and special sign-up offers at the MATTA Fair. Visitors can visit the RHB booths at Levels 1 and 2 to learn more about the special promotions available.

Caption: Suzaizi Mohd Morshid, Treasurer RHB Islamic Bank; Marcus Ng Chong Yee (Head Transactors & Savers, Group Community Banking, RHB Banking Group; Sien Vee Loc Head, Consumer Finance, Group Community Banking,  RHB Banking Group; Nigel Wong, President of MATTA; Sheikh Awadh, Deputy President of MATTA; Chong Yu Ken, Vice President Outbound. 

MATTA president Nigel Wong expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership: “We are pleased to welcome RHB Banking Group as our Exclusive Platinum Sponsor. This collaboration shows our shared commitment to innovation, customer satisfaction, and the growth of the travel and tourism industry. Together, we aim to enhance the travel experience for the travellers and holidaymakers.”

RHB Banking Group’s managing director of group community banking Jeffrey Ng Eow Oo said: “RHB is thrilled to be back at the MATTA Fair, reaffirming our commitment to bolstering the local hospitality and tourism industry in 2024. Recognising Malaysians’ passion for extraordinary experiences, we aspire to transform these travel aspirations into reality by offering exciting deals and seamless solutions. Additionally, our popular RHB Multi Currency Visa Debit Card/-i is the ultimate travel companion, allowing you to transact seamlessly in 32 foreign currencies without conversion fees. This eliminates cash-related hassles and ensures peace of mind wherever your travels take you.”

Apart from numerous opportunities to win prizes throughout the MATTA Fair, visitors can take the exclusive opportunity to apply for the limited-edition Paris Olympics 2024 RHB Visa Credit Cards/-i & Multi Currency Visa Debit Cards/-i during the fair. By doing so, they could win an all-expense paid trip to the Paris Olympics in July 2024 using the RHB card for transactions.

The exclusive Platinum Sponsorship from RHB marks an exciting opportunity for both MATTA and RHB to expand their presence and influence within Malaysia’s dynamic tourism industry. This collaboration presents a mutually beneficial opportunity where MATTA gains vital support to enhance the success of upcoming initiatives and events. At the same time, RHB Bank enjoys heightened brand visibility and engagement in the thriving travel sector. 

MATTA remains steadfast in its mission to further grow a platform that expands business opportunities for its members while catering to the dynamic needs of consumers. This collaboration with RHB exemplifies MATTA’s continued efforts to enrich and enhance the MATTA Fair now and beyond.

MATTA Fair is Malaysia’s biggest consumer travel and holiday fair, attracting around 150,000 visitors during its previous fair in 2023. 

Admission to the fair is free, with the venue open from 1000 to 2100 over three consecutive days: Friday, 22 March to Sunday, and 24 March. MATTA offers free shuttle services at regular intervals from key locations KL Sentral and Sunway Putra Mall directly to and from MITEC. 

Ascott: 40 years and no limits

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SINGAPORE, 5 March 2024: The Ascott Limited (Ascott), the lodging business unit wholly owned by CapitaLand Investment (CLI), announced Tuesday the launch of ‘Ascott Unlimited’, a year-long campaign to celebrate 40 years in the hospitality business.

With about 950 properties across over 220 cities, Ascott Unlimited presents four guiding pillars — Unlimited Opportunities, Unlimited Choices, Unlimited Freedom, and Unlimited Good, to springboard to the next chapter of growth as a global hospitality company.

Ascott Unlimited was unveiled by Tan Bee Leng, Chief Commercial Officer, Ascott, at AHICE SEA 2024.

Unveiled during the Southeast Asia debut of the Asian Hotel Industry Conference & Exhibition (AHICE) 2024 hosted in Singapore, the campaign launch signifies the start of a new era of expansion. Through an asset-light strategy, Ascott targets to achieve more than SGD500 million in fee earnings by 2028.

Ascott pioneered Asia Pacific’s first serviced residence with the opening of The Ascott Singapore in 1984. Over the years, it has been building its brands and making strategic acquisitions. Today, Ascott is a vertically integrated lodging operator of about 950 properties across more than 220 cities globally, represented by a portfolio of 14 distinctive brands.  

In 2023, Ascott achieved a record year of fee earnings at SGD331 million and the highest number of property openings, with nearly 9,600 units turning operational.

Ascott and CLI Lodging chief executive officer Kevin Goh commented: “We have spent the last four decades building the relationship we have with our guests, owners, and partners…2024 will be our launchpad – one that will propel Ascott into an era of greater ambition, as we go unlimited. Unlimited with enhanced value for our owners, unlimited with myriad guest experiences, and unlimited with growth opportunities for our associates”.

To celebrate, guests staying at properties under 14 brands will enjoy a complimentary fourth night with a minimum of three nights booked using the promotional code “ASCOTT40” until 31 December 2024. 

Cardamom Tented Camp joins The Long Run

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PHNOM PENH, 5 March 2024: Cambodia’s award-winning conservation lodge, Cardamom Tented Camp, has joined The Long Run, an international grouping of sustainable nature-based tourism businesses dedicated to conservation, community, culture and commerce.

By joining The Long Run as a “fellow member”, the camp commits to working towards the status of a “Global Ecosphere Retreat” (GER) – one of the most rigorous sustainability standards in the international tourism industry and one recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council.

Cardamom Tented Camp, a conservation lodge in Cambodia

To date, The Long Run has 11 elite GER members, 32 fellow members and 22 travel partners. Collectively, their conservation tourism helps protect around 9.3 million hectares (23 million acres) of forest, grasslands, desert and mountains on six continents.

Cardamom Tented Camp’s slogan, “Your Stay Keeps the Forest Standing,” underscores its role in protecting 18,000 hectares (44,000 acres) of mixed lowland rainforest in the Botum Sakor National Park in southwest Cambodia. A proportion of profits from the camp helps fund patrols by 16 Wildlife Alliance forest rangers.

Since opening in 2017, those patrols have protected the forest reserve from illegal poachers, loggers, sand dredgers and land grabbers. Several at-risk species, such as Asian elephants, smooth-coated otters, leopards and hornbills, have increased due to rigorous habitat protection. The Wildlife Alliance and the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation have verified the improved species numbers.

Camp co-founder Willem Niemeijer states that membership in The Long Run, is about transforming good intentions into a holistic and tangible action plan.
“Cardamom Tented Camp and The Long Run are leveraging tourism as a smart way to fund the conservation of nature and be of value to the community. We’re striving to make tourism a measurable force for good. That is our purpose,” he said.

He added: “Membership of The Long Run will help us drive continuous improvement based on a rigorous commitment to conservation, community engagement and a respect for culture and commerce.”

The Long Run executive director, Dr Anne-Kathrin Zschiegner, said Cardamom Tented Camp was invited to join the group based on the camp’s environmental track record and unique giving-back business model.
“The Cardamom tented camp is a dedicated, responsible tourism entity with thoughtful attention to every detail. We are aligned in our passion for sustainability and look forward to our journey together.”

The next step of membership will involve technical advice from The Long Run to the camp, bringing in external experts as necessary, sharing best practices among members, identifying sustainable business funding opportunities, and creating a viable plan for Cardamom Tented Camp to start its journey towards full “GER” status.

Cardamom Tented Camp will be represented at the ITB Berlin travel show from 6 to 8 March by its affiliated travel company, Khiri Travel.

Qatar Airways resumes Osaka flights

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DOHA, 5 March 2024: Qatar Airways resumed flights to Osaka, Japan, on 1 March with a nonstop daily service between Hamad International Airport (DOH) and Kansai International Airport (KIX).

The airline has deployed an Airbus A350-900 aircraft with 36 business class seats and 247 economy class seats.

Located in the heart of Japan’s Kansai region, Osaka stands as a beacon of cultural richness and modern innovation. It’s renowned for its blend of traditional Japanese heritage and contemporary flair and captivates visitors with its busy lanes, iconic landmarks and world-class cuisine. From the historic Osaka Castle to the vibrant entertainment district of Dotonbori, the city’s eclectic tapestry invites visitors to embark on an unforgettable journey through the enchanting city.

Qatar Airways offers seamless domestic connectivity to 34 codeshare destinations in Japan as part of its codeshare partnership with Japan Airlines. 

JAL has placed its code on all Qatar Airways flights between Qatar and Japan, including Narita International Airport, Haneda Airport (Tokyo International Airport), and now Kansai International Airport, as well as 14 destinations in Qatar Airways global network via Doha.

Fixed fares for Hari Raya travel

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KUALA LUMPUR, 5 March 2024: AirAsia has mounted over 22,000 seats at fixed fares for late-night flights in conjunction with the upcoming Hari Raya celebration between Peninsular and East Malaysia.

From 5 to 17 April, travellers can fly back to their hometown between Kuala Lumpur and Kuching, Sibu, Bintulu or Miri, as well as between Johor Bahru and Kuching, Sibu or Miri for a one-way fare of MYR298*. Between Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan or Tawau, and Johor Bahru and Kota Kinabalu, the one-way fare is pegged at MYR 348*. 

(From L-R): YB Datuk Haji Hasbi Bin Haji Habibollah, Deputy Minister of Transport Malaysia, YB Loke Siew Fook, Minister of Transport Malaysia, Tony Fernandes, CEO, Capital A & Bo Lingam, Group CEO, AirAsia Aviation Group.

The promotional fares are available for booking from 4 March until 17 April 2024 on airasia.com and the AirAsia MOVE app, previously known as ‘airasia Superapp’.

In addition to 122 late-night flights at fixed fares to 11 routes between Peninsula and East Malaysia, AirAsia also operates 735 weekly flights with regular fares** to Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan to support the government’s festive season initiative.

Minister of Transport YB Anthony Loke said: “The government remains committed to facilitating air travel for Malaysians at reasonable and affordable fares. These commitments represent a collaborative effort with industry players such as AirAsia to ensure the welfare of Malaysians. Thus, I am pleased to support AirAsia’s Fixed Fares initiative for the upcoming Hari Raya*** celebration. Moreover, the recent announcement of a maximum fare of MYR599 for one-way economy class flights to Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan in the days leading up to Hari Raya Aidilfitri demonstrates our proactive approach to meeting the needs of travellers while promoting inclusivity and affordability. We eagerly anticipate further collaboration with all industry partners to ensure that all Malaysians can travel home safely, affordably, and conveniently during the festive season.”

Group CEO of AirAsia Aviation Group, Bo Lingam said: “Our fixed fares flights between Peninsula and East Malaysia not only make travel affordable but also signify our commitment to support the government’s festive season fare initiative. We look forward to flying thousands of our guests back to their hometowns this Hari Raya.”

*Promotional fixed fares quoted are for one-way travel, including airport taxes, MAVCOM fees, fuel surcharges, and other applicable fees. Other terms and conditions apply. 

**Flights with base fares that cost less than MYR599 will be sold at the current fare. Fares are non-refundable and subject to other terms and conditions. The government’s subsidy for purchases of one-way economy class tickets of over MYR599 from Peninsular Malaysia to Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan is applicable three days before Hari Raya.

***The term Hari Raya is Malay for “big (or grand) day of rejoicing”. The date: According to the Hijrah calendar, Hari Raya Puasa falls on the first day of the 10th month (10 to 11 April). Source National Library Board, Singapore.

Emirates to fly to Phnom Penh

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DUBAI, UAE, 4 March 2024: Emirates will bring back its daily Phnom Penh service from 1 May via Singapore, boosting the airline’s Southeast Asian connectivity to and from Dubai and linking two regional trade and leisure destinations.    

Emirates’ deputy resident and chief commercial officer Adnan Kazim commented: “The resumption of our Phnom Penh services demonstrates our commitment to strengthening our Southeast Asian network as we continue to create more opportunities for travellers to explore diverse and culturally rich destinations and help businesses and exporters of all sizes establish stronger trade connections.

We thank the Cambodian and Singaporean authorities for their support in establishing this new route. We look forward to re-introducing our customers to yet another vibrant destination on our network as they explore the world.” 

The service will be operated with a three-class Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. Emirates’ flight EK348 will depart Dubai at 0230 and arrive in Singapore at 1405. The flight will depart Singapore at 1535 and arrive in Phnom Penh at 1635. Emirates’ return flight EK349 will leave Phnom Penh at 2050 and arrive in Singapore at 2350. The flight will depart Singapore at 0140 and arrive in Dubai at 0455. All times are local.

Phnom Penh’s linked schedule with Singapore is conveniently timed, providing optimal connecting opportunities to and from multiple cities in France, the UK, Germany, Switzerland and the United States. Emirates will serve Singapore through this additional connection with four daily flights starting from 1 May. 

Emirates SkyCargo will also offer cargo belly-hold capacity on the Boeing 777-300ER of more than 300 tonnes per week in and out of Phnom Penh. The main commodities exported from Phnom Penh include textiles, pharmaceuticals, and other high-value commodities.

The new Emirates services will offer eight first-class private suites, 42 lie-flat seats in business class and 310 in economy class. Travellers will also be able to enjoy the airline’s award-winning service and industry-leading products across all classes, with regionally-inspired dishes and complimentary beverages and the airline’s ice inflight entertainment system, which offers up to 6,500 channels of on-demand entertainment in over 40 languages, including movies, TV shows, and an extensive musical library along with games, audiobooks and podcasts.

Tickets can be booked online through www.emirates.com or with online and offline travel agents. 

A significant Southeast Asian hub

Located in Cambodia’s south-central region, Phnom Penh is the nation’s economic, industrial, and cultural centre and has seen rapid growth in its infrastructure and economy over the decades. This makes Phnom Penh one of the most popular Southeast Asian hubs for tourism and trade, with significant appeal to travellers from Europe and the Americas. The city is building a new international airport with plans to start operations in 2025, replacing the current Phnom Penh International Airport and improving Cambodia’s connectivity with the world.

Phnom Penh is widely known for its heritage sites and tourist attractions, including the Royal Palace with the Silver Pagoda and the National Museum. Emirates will also facilitate convenient travel to the world-famous Angkor Wat temple complex near Siem Reap through its daily services to Phnom Penh and the unilateral agreement with Cambodia Air.

(Source: Emirates)

Sabah to tap the Singapore hub

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KOTA KINABALU, 4 March 2024: Sabah is committed to strengthening its foothold in the Singaporean tourism market, said Assistant Tourism, Culture, and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai told a group of travel agents last week.

Addressing Singaporean travel agents during the Meet-The-Experts programme, Joniston said Sabah needed to leverage the existing Singapore-Kota Kinabalu direct route to its fullest potential.

AirAsia and Scoot serve the route with direct flights using A320s with 180 seats and A321 with 236 seats. AirAsia flies 11 flights weekly on the route, offering 1980 seats on the direct route, while Scoot flies a mix of A320 and A321 — three weekly flights offering 540 seats and four flights offering 944 seats (A321neo).

The average roundtrip fare for the year is estimated at USD120. In March, it will average USD141, dropping to USD90 in April. Fares will recover in May and June to an average of USD117. July and September will deliver the lowest fares in the mid-USD80s.

Joniston, who is also Sabah Tourism Board (STB) chairman, said acquainting Singaporean travel agents with the state’s diverse range of products and destinations continuously is among the steps being taken.

“Sabah needs to capitalise on Singapore’s status as a crucial aviation hub that caters to many international flights and travellers.

“This convenient and efficient connection has greatly enhanced accessibility, making Sabah more accessible to travellers from Singapore and beyond.” 

He also acknowledged Singapore’s status as a bustling hub of commerce, culture, and tourism, attracting millions of visitors annually.

“Sabah, with its distinctive offerings, stands to benefit significantly by tapping into this vibrant market.

“The collaboration between Singaporean travel agents and Sabah’s tourism industry presents mutual opportunities for growth and prosperity.

“Likewise, Singaporean travellers seeking new and authentic experiences will find Sabah a treasure trove of adventure and discovery,” he added.

Joniston emphasised Sabah’s dedication to strengthening its relationship with Singapore, exemplified by establishing its trade and tourism office in Singapore two years ago. He also encouraged business investors in Singapore to explore opportunities in Sabah’s thriving tourism sector.

The Meet-The-Experts programme, organised by Tourism Malaysia in collaboration with the Sabah Tourism Board and Sabah Trade and Tourism Office Singapore, is a targeted business-to-business (B2B) session.

Tailored to introduce Sabah’s tourism products to 20 Singaporean travel agents, particularly those who have yet to promote Sabah as a destination, the session offers a valuable platform for productive discussions and networking. With the participation of 26 local representatives, including travel agents, tourism product owners, and hoteliers from Sabah, the programme facilitates meaningful interactions to foster partnerships and enhance the promotion of Sabah’s diverse offerings.

Present were Tourism Officer from Tourism Malaysia Headquarters, Ahmad Faizal; Sabah Trade and Tourism Office Singapore Chief Executive Officer Wendy Clare Stephens; and Sabah Tourism Board Deputy Chief Executive Officer Tay Shu Lan.

In addition, Faizal said that Singaporean travel agents would have the unique opportunity to partake in a familiarisation trip, providing them with firsthand experiences.
“Specifically, we have planned groups to visit Semporna and Kundasang, recognising these as two sought-after places among Singaporean travellers,” he said.

He stressed that Tourism Malaysia creates more high-quality travel experiences to attract visitors to Sabah and Malaysia ahead of Visit Malaysia Year 2026.

(Source: www.sabahtourism.com).

Dusit International returns to ITB Berlin

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BANGKOK, 4 March 2024: Dusit Hotels and Resorts, the hotel arm of Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, is poised to make a return to ITB Berlin 5 to 7 March, showcasing an impressive array of new destinations, innovative brands, and the much-anticipated reopening of its iconic flagship Dusit Thani Bangkok hotel – coming this September. 

Led by Dusit International chief operating officer Gilles Cretallaz, the Dusit team will present a comprehensive overview of Dusit Hotels and Resorts worldwide, highlighting Dusit’s group-wide commitment to personalised and gracious service, unique connections with local communities, holistic well-being experiences extending beyond traditional spa offerings, and dedication to social, economic, and environmental sustainability. In addition to these key pillars, attendees can expect insights into the latest additions to the Dusit family.

Last year’s notable international openings being showcased include the boutique Dusit Suites Athens, Greece, Dusit’s first hotel in Europe;  Dusit Princess Hotel Residences Nairobi, a unique hybrid property; the lifestyle-oriented ASAI Kyoto Shijo and luxurious Dusit Thani Kyoto, both marking Dusit’s arrival in Japan; and the breathtaking Dusit Thani Himalayan Resort Dhulikhel and contemporary Dusit Princess Kathmandu, Dusit’s first entries into Nepal.

Dusit will showcase new additions in Thailand, including ASAI Bangkok Sathorn, the second property in the capital under Dusit’s affordable lifestyle brand catering to millennial-minded travellers; the upscale dusitD2 Samyan Bangkok, the first dusitD2-branded hotel in the city; and Dusit Princess Phatthalung, a beautiful resort in southern Thailand, bringing Dusit’s domestic property count to 18.

The Dusit team will also unveil 2024 openings, comprising approximately 10 new hotels in existing Dusit destinations such as China, the Maldives, Vietnam, and Japan, as well as new markets such as Malaysia and India. 

Visitors to ITB Berlin will also have the opportunity to learn more about Dusit’s two new brands in the luxury segment: Dusit Collection and Devarana – Dusit Retreats.

Building on the strength of Dusit’s existing portfolio, which encompasses Dusit Thani (luxury), Dusit Suites (upper upscale), dusitD2 (upscale), Dusit Princess (upper midscale), ASAI Hotels (midscale lifestyle), and Elite Havens (luxury villa rentals), the new brands extend Dusit’s reach across the lodging spectrum to deliver fresh and immersive experiences for guests. 

Serving as a soft brand that can be applied to distinctive, standalone properties with unique stories, Dusit Collection directly taps into rising global demand for unique and authentic travel experiences and represents a sophisticated and personalised approach to property development, service, and guest engagement.

Devarana – Dusit Retreats, meanwhile, is a reimagining of Dusit’s former luxury brand, Devarana, which has been enhanced to deliver enriching and transformational stay experiences in the ultra-luxury segment. 

Another exciting ‘reimagining’ being introduced at ITB Berlin is the grand return of Dusit’s flagship Dusit Thani Bangkok hotel, which will officially make its grand return this September (with bookings available from May). 

Situated in the same prime location as the original property, which graced the Bangkok skyline from 1970 – 2019, this highly anticipated, reimagined version of Dusit’s luxury flagship hotel promises to deliver a fresh take on its predecessor’s esteemed heritage and once again stand as a beacon of Thai-inspired gracious hospitality for discerning travellers from all around the world. Alongside 257 spacious deluxe rooms and elegant suites, all facing the green expanse of Lumpini Park, the new property will feature one of the city’s largest ballrooms, several exciting food and beverage outlets, and a unique urban sanctuary wellness concept. 

Dusit’s team at ITB Berlin will also highlight special campaigns and promotions that tie in with Dusit International’s 75th anniversary, which is coming this May. They will also highlight opportunities in Dusit Hospitality Education, Dusit’s renowned hospitality education arm that includes Dusit Thani College, Le Cordon Bleu Dusit Culinary School, and The Food School, as well as Dusit’s fast-growing food division, Dusit Foods.

“ITB Berlin offers a valuable platform for us to share our vision for the future of our unique brand of Thai-inspired gracious hospitality,” said Cretallaz. “With our expanding portfolio and innovative brand offerings, we continue to redefine luxury experiences worldwide. The return of the iconic Dusit Thani Bangkok, after gracing Bangkok’s skyline for nearly five decades, marks a significant event in the hospitality landscape and an exciting new chapter for Dusit overall. We’re excited to unveil the exceptional reimagined offerings of this legendary hotel and the many meaningful and memorable experiences available at Dusit Hotels and Resorts worldwide.”

Dusit’s portfolio now includes 299 properties operating across 18 countries, including 56 properties operating under Dusit Hotels and Resorts and 243 luxury villas under Elite Havens, the leading provider of luxury villa rentals in Asia, which Dusit acquired in September 2018. 

For further information, please visit Dusit Hotels and Resorts at ITB Berlin, Hall 26b, Stand 221, or www.dusit.com.

(Source: Dusit International).

MATTA showcases ecotourism at ITB

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KUALA LUMPUR, 4 March 2024: The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) will join the travel trade exhibition ITB Berlin from 5 to 7 March, featuring diverse experiential tourism products spanning three states in Malaysia.

“Our members and partners from the states of Perak, Sabah, and Selangor are eager to meet prospective customers looking for exceptional tourism products that provide travellers with a unique cultural, social, and educational experience. We will also be highlighting the many ecotourism offerings that make Malaysia so famous,” said

 MATTA’s vice president of inbound & domestic Ganneesh Ramaa commented:

“Our team this year is large, with MATTA president Nigel Wong in attendance. Delegations from Perak, Sabah, and Selangor state tourism offices, along with 14 trade industry players from Malaysia, will also be present.” 

 MATTA event at ITB

The MATTA “Sustainability Exchange” with the European Travel Agents’ and Tour Operators’ Associations (ECTAA), the Dutch Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (ANVR) and the German Travel Association (DRV) will take place on Day 2 of the show (6 March 2024).

“MATTA and its local and regional partners are taking the lead in pushing the sustainable tourism agenda in Malaysia (and in ASEAN) in line with UN Tourism Sustainable Development Goals. This Exchange will highlight some of the initiatives MATTA is rolling out to kickstart a private sector-driven effort. 

“The insights from our European counterparts gained through the Exchange will be of immense help in enriching our programmes as well as developing tourism products to cater to the growing trend of travellers seeking more responsible tourism experiences when they visit Malaysia”, the MATTA president Nigel Wong explained. 

Day 2 will also feature the launch of four paintings of endangered wildlife (one of them a 3×3 metre portrait of the Malayan Tiger) by digital artist Rachel Gray, which is part of the MATTA Sustainable Tourism Project. Meet MATTA at its ITB Berlin booth (Hall 26A, stand 103, 104 & 105).

Big score kicks off visa-free travel

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BANGKOK, 4 March 2024: Thailand enjoyed a 30% year-on-year increase in Chinese visitors on 1 March, according to Trip.com data, the first day of the visa-free bilateral agreement between Thailand and China.   

Under the mutual visa-free travel concession signed between Thailand and China, tourists from both countries are eligible for a visa-free stay of up to 30 days.

Photo credit: TAT governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool Facebook

Tourism Authority of Thailand governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool released preliminary data on arrivals to the country just for 1 March that showed 18,242 Chinese entered the country, a daily tally that the governor said hints of a “bright future”. Since the beginning of the year, TAT data estimates China is once more the top source market (1 January to 1 March), with 1,201,363 Chinese entering the country. Malaysia drops to second place with 850,690 visits to Thailand over the same two-month period.

But on 1 March, the top daily score went to the Malaysians. They clocked 27,866 arrivals, mostly overland tourists, visiting on trains and buses and heading for the popular tourist towns of Hat Yai and the beaches of Songkhla province. 

The total arrivals to Thailand for 1 March (immigration count) stood at 122,368, while for the two months ( 1 January to 1 March), the country welcomed  6,509,966 visitors.

Meanwhile, Trip.com reports travel bookings from Thai tourists heading for China tripled year-on-year, an increase of over 160% compared to 2019. The Chinese cities most popular with Thai tourists include Shanghai, Guangzhou, Kunming, Beijing, Chengdu, Chongqing, Hangzhou, Lijiang, and Shenzhen.

Trip.com Thailand has launched a special page showcasing the many attractions and activities visitors to China can explore with supporting deals for accommodations and flights. 

“Interest has been strong, with data showing that on the Trip.com Thailand site, the search popularity of China-related keywords increased more than three times year-on-year and by more than 10% month-on-month.”

Photo credit: Pattaya’s kite festival.

(Source: Trip.com and TAT)

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