Thailand and China Join Forces to Drive Two-Way Tourism with Bold New Agreements – What This Means for Future Travel and Destinations

In a major move to strengthen tourism ties between Thailand and China, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has signed two Letters of Intent during the China International Travel Mart (CITM) 2025. These agreements with Haikou Municipal Bureau of Tourism and Tongcheng Group aim to foster deeper collaboration in tourism, enhance digital travel services, and increase destination awareness across both countries.

The signing ceremony took place at The Langham Haikou, where Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT Governor, was joined by Mr. Wang Ke, Director of the Haikou Municipal Bureau, and Mr. Li Minghao, Vice President of Tongcheng Group. These partnerships signal Thailand’s commitment to promoting sustainable, balanced tourism that meets market demand while supporting growth in both nations.

Thailand, serving as Guest Country of Honour at CITM 2025, is eager to leverage this opportunity to solidify its position as a premier destination for Chinese travelers. Haikou, a thriving coastal city on Hainan Island, is emerging as an essential hub for economic and tourism development, making it a valuable partner for Thailand.

Strengthening Tourism Cooperation

Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, the TAT Governor, expressed enthusiasm about these new agreements, emphasizing that they underscore Thailand’s strategic focus on the Chinese market. She stated that Thailand aims to drive two-way tourism that is sustainable and aligned with market demands. The goal is to provide tangible benefits for both travelers and tourism businesses in Thailand and China, creating opportunities to enhance connectivity, build destination awareness, and boost tourism growth.

The agreements also include the development of joint marketing campaigns, international travel fairs, and KOL exchanges. These initiatives are designed to promote Haikou alongside key Thai destinations, making it easier for Chinese travelers to explore the rich culture and natural beauty of Thailand.

As part of the agreement, Thailand will collaborate with Haikou to host roadshows and trade engagements. These activities will help increase awareness of Thailand’s tourism offerings, highlighting its diverse destinations, from the beaches of Phuket to the historical sites of Chiang Mai. Additionally, the partnership aims to create and promote tourism products that link Haikou with Thai destinations, creating new travel experiences for both countries.

Digital Innovation and Travel Promotion

Another key aspect of this partnership is the collaboration with Tongcheng Group and Tongcheng Travel Holdings, one of China’s leading online travel platforms. The partnership focuses on expanding digital marketing and communications to promote tourism in both Thailand and China.

Tongcheng’s expertise in big data and AI-powered services will enhance the way Thailand promotes its tourism offerings, reaching Chinese travelers at every stage of their travel journey. By leveraging Tongcheng’s capabilities, the collaboration aims to enhance the digital ecosystem for two-way tourism, making it easier for travelers to plan their trips and book services seamlessly.

This collaboration builds on existing marketing efforts, including Green Season hotel promotions and upcoming initiatives targeted at female travelers and for Chinese New Year travel. The digital focus of this partnership will also ensure that both Thailand and China remain at the forefront of modern, tech-driven tourism experiences.

Boosting Tourism in Thailand and Haikou

The strategic focus on sustainability and modern travel trends ensures that these partnerships will benefit not only businesses but also the tourism sectors in both Thailand and Haikou. With more than three million people living in Haikou, the city is a growing center for innovation and tourism. By partnering with TAT, Haikou positions itself as a key destination for Chinese tourists traveling to Thailand.

The partnerships are expected to deliver a significant boost to tourism in both countries, particularly as Thailand strengthens its position as a prime destination for Chinese travelers. With increased promotion through Tongcheng Group, the tourism industry in Thailand stands to benefit from higher visibility and access to a broader Chinese market.

Looking Forward to Sustainable Tourism Growth

TAT is excited about the long-term impact of these partnerships. As Thailand and China continue to develop their tourism infrastructure, the collaborative initiatives will play a key role in ensuring that growth remains sustainable and mutually beneficial. By focusing on digital innovation, destination promotion, and joint marketing, Thailand aims to reach even more Chinese tourists, reinforcing its status as a top international destination.

The agreement also complements recent discussions about potential charter flights between Haikou and Phuket and Chiang Mai, further enhancing connectivity between the two regions. These new routes will open up more travel opportunities for Chinese tourists, making it easier than ever to visit Thailand.

TAT’s strategic vision aligns with Thailand’s broader goals of increasing sustainable tourism, supporting local businesses, and promoting Thailand’s rich cultural heritage. As Haikou continues to grow as an international destination, Thailand is poised to capitalize on this new partnership to drive future tourism growth.

With these strategic partnerships now in place, Thailand and Haikou are well-positioned to enhance two-way tourism, leveraging digital marketing, sustainability, and modern travel trends. The collaboration sets the stage for more travelers to experience the wonders of Thailand, from its iconic temples to its pristine beaches, while building a more sustainable, interconnected tourism future for both Thailand and China.

The post Thailand and China Join Forces to Drive Two-Way Tourism with Bold New Agreements – What This Means for Future Travel and Destinations appeared first on Travel And Tour World.