Bangkok: The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has launched the “Nihao Month” project, a strategic initiative aimed at celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival while targeting Chinese tourists visiting Thailand. The project was officially introduced during a press conference attended by Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of TAT, and Mr. Yang Xiaolong, Counselor for Cultural Affairs at the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Thailand.

According to Thai News Agency, the “Nihao Month” project is designed to attract quality Chinese tourists to Thailand during the Mid-Autumn Festival and Chinese National Day, known as Golden Week. This period is a peak holiday season for Chinese tourists, and the initiative aims to restore confidence, stimulate travel, and promote a positive image of Thailand in the Chinese market. The project also commemorates 50 years of Thai-Chinese diplomatic relations.

Ms. Thapanee highlighted that the TAT is actively working to counteract the slowdown in the Chinese tourist market by implementing the Trusted Thailand project to enhance travel confidence. The TAT is focusing on appealing to all segments of the Chinese tourist market, including the younger generation, the elderly, tour groups, and charter airlines. The upcoming Mid-Autumn Festival and Golden Week in October present an opportunity for Thailand to attract high-quality tourists through image-building activities and marketing campaigns. These will include cultural exchanges, discounts, and privileges at hotels, shops, restaurants, and tourist attractions, running from September to December 2015.

From January 1st to September 22nd of this year, 3,312,151 Chinese tourists visited Thailand. TAT is optimistic that the market stimulus measures, image enhancements, and confidence-building initiatives under the Nihao Month project will significantly contribute to achieving the goal of increased Chinese tourist arrivals.