(From left) Zhang Shaoyu, general manager of Baidu Global Map; Chen Jiang, culture counselor, the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Thailand; Hu Yong, general manager, global business unit of Baidu; Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT governor; Srisuda Wanapinyosak, TAT deputy governor for international marketing, Asia and South Pacific; Visanu Jaroensilp, TAT deputy governor for tourism products and business
THE Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and Baidu have signed a MoU to work towards attracting more high-end Chinese travellers to Thailand.
Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT governor, said: “TAT aims to restructure the market by (targeting) high-end tourists from various cities of China like Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chongqing and Chengdu. This cooperation will allow TAT to reach this target group directly and rapidly.”
Areas of collaboration discussed include the exchange of information on traveller trends and characteristics as well as public relations initiatives for 17,000 places of interest.
TAT and Baidu also plan to work together on a project in Thailand in July, aimed at highlighting locations related to love and romance, such as love-confession spots, honeymoon places and wedding destinations.
Smart Guide, an audio guide for use at major tourist attractions, is also being developed. So far, Baidu has tested the guide at Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok and The Sanctuary of Truth in Pattaya City, which are attractions popular among Chinese tourists.
In addition, Baidu will be unveilling the new Baidu Map, a modern mapping service technology that will assist Chinese tourists in locating attractions, restaurants, products and services when travelling abroad, with an emphasis on Thailand.
In August 2016, the Women’s Journey project will also be deployed on Baidu Map, displaying information on privileges that female tourists can enjoy at participating shops and businesses.
