Tourism
33 million visitors to Thailand throughout 2016. Boon or Bane ? — Thailand Business News
Despite a large number of arrivals by Chinese tourists, Thailand is not getting the expected economic benefits as most of the income ends up in the pockets of zero-dollar tour operators.
via 33 million visitors to Thailand throughout 2016. Boon or Bane ? — Thailand Business News
Tourism
Covid-19 and the Thailand Tourism Sector
Thailand has recorded 58 deaths so far and 3,129 confirmed cases and has been gradually easing restrictions in an effort to revive its economy after appearing to contain the virus.
The tourist sector comprises a significant part of the Thai economy. It provides one in six job opportunities and accounts for approximately 13-14% of the country’s economy.
(more…)Politics
How China is using tourism for geopolitical goals
The Chinese government has a degree of leverage over its tourists that other governments do not enjoy. Many Chinese tourists are new to international tourism and have limited international language abilities
Decades of astonishing economic growth have given China new tools for extending its influence abroad and achieving its political goals.
(more…)Banking
China’s Alipay mobile payment platform and TAT sign letter of intent
Alipay is the world’s largest mobile and online payment platform operated by Ant Financial Services Group, with over 900 million members.
Bangkok, 27 May 2019 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and Alipay (Hangzhou) Information Technology Co., Ltd. today signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) to form a long-term strategic partnership that offers Chinese tourists more product and service options while visiting the Kingdom.
(more…)