Warorot Market in Chiang Mai, Thailand
CHIANG Mai tour operators have downplayed fears of a Chinese tourist boycott, saying visitor numbers were on track to exceed last year.
Reports of a boycott have circulated in the Thai media, which suggested that Chinese visitors felt belittled after a number of incidents went viral. The president of the Association of Thai Travel Agents in Chiang Mai, Boonta Chailert, was quoted as saying there had been a 30 per cent drop in demand.
However, Natchuda Nanthichanaphat, inbound manager for Chiang Mai at Quality Express, said the numbers up to the beginning of August were 50 per cent stronger than the same time last year.
“The numbers have increased so fast,” she said. “We are trying to find interesting places in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai for them.”
Natchuda said there were occasional culture clashes, but these were often blown out of proportion.
“Sometimes they don’t know the culture, sometimes there are problems, but if it’s a tour when there’s a guide, there’s usually no problem.”
The reports have put the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) on the PR offensive, saying all visitors including the Chinese were welcome in Chiang Mai.
TAT’s latest data showed 240,000 Chinese visitors to Chiang Mai in the first quarter, a 40 per cent year-on-year increase.
Chiangmai To Travel owner Peter Rungrod, who has been critical of Chinese visitors for taking part in zero-dollar tours, said he had not noticed a drop in numbers.
The most obvious change was fewer Chinese driving to Chiang Mai after tougher enforcement of the laws governing foreign vehicles.
“If they can drive safely, that’s fine,” he said. “It’s for their safety too, and it’s good for everyone.”
