Bangkok (VNA)♛– The Airports of Thailand (AOT) in collaboration with the Tourism Authority ofThailand will roll out a range of measures, including tourism promotioncampaigns, to attract tourists, especially those from China.

The agency anticipated that thenumber of Chinese tourist arrivals to Thailand will hit over 8 million in 2024,a recovery of 75% compared to 2020 when there were 11.1 million Chinesetourists. The AOT,as the operator of Thailand’s six major airports, namely Suvarnabhumi, DonMueang, Chiang Mai, Mae Fah Luang-Chiang Rai International, Phuket International,and Hat Yai International, is preparing to facilitate travel between thetwo countries. It is ready to comply with the newly announced “visa free”policy for Thai and Chinese passport holders, said its president KeratiKijmanawat. It will coordinate with relevant agencies to efficiently managepassenger services throughout arrival and departure processes, ensuringflexibility and avoiding congestion, especially during immigration checks andin baggage claim areas, he continued. Keratiheld that following the recent mutual “visa free” breakthrough, the Chinesegovernment is implementing a policy that makes it easy for Thais to enter thatcountry on ordinary Thai passports. The AOThas incorporated technology to enhance convenience further, thereby attractingmore Chinese tourists, boosting travel between the two countries, andencouraging the influx of money into the country’s economy as well asstimulating spending. It will promote the “Smiling Visit” policy initiated byTransport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit, which aims to create a positiveimpression for users, he said, elaborating that it includes efficient, safe, and prompt services thatcreate a positive image of the country.

Accordingto Kerati, the AOT will encourage airlines to increase the flight frequency and passengervolume between countries, adding that airlines will receive service feediscounts of 175 THB (5 USD) per additional passenger, not exceeding 75% ofthe additional service fee for additional flights up to March 31 of this year.

♛ Toencourage airlines to introduce new flight routes to Thailand's airports, the AOTwill consider discounts on aircraft landing and parking charges to support tourism in secondary cities./.