Thailand and China Advance Tourism Partnership Agenda

Tourism Partnership Plans Highlight Thailand–China Cooperation

Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has outlined a strategic tourism agenda following the official visit of Wang Yi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, to Thailand from 23 to 25 April 2026. The visit included discussions with Anutin Charnvirakul and took place alongside the third Thailand–China Foreign Ministers’ Consultation Mechanism.

The agenda positions tourism as a component of bilateral cooperation across economic, social, and cultural areas. It also supports Thailand’s 2026 target of attracting 4.72 million visitors from China and generating tourism revenue of at least 260 billion Baht.

TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool said the engagement provides a platform to expand structured cooperation between the two countries, with a focus on rebuilding traveller confidence, improving visitor experience, and supporting sustainable growth.

A proposed Thailand–China Tourism Partnership (2026–2030) would connect national and local agencies, encourage collaboration between public and private sectors, and promote balanced tourism flows across established and emerging destinations.

The plan includes joint development and promotion of thematic tourism segments such as health and wellness, sports, cultural and festival tourism, gastronomy, heritage, and MICE. It also highlights areas such as medical tourism and screen tourism, where film and digital content can support travel demand.

Further measures cover travel facilitation and coordinated marketing efforts. These include expanding air connectivity from secondary Chinese cities, organizing joint trade and media activities, and using digital platforms, data sharing, and targeted campaigns to reach travellers.

The agenda also addresses visitor safety, service standards, and crisis communication through closer coordination between both countries. Proposals include shared communication frameworks and personnel exchanges to align operational practices.

In addition, TAT has suggested forming a joint tourism working group and launching pilot initiatives between 2026 and 2027 under the concept of a shared Thailand–China community, to support continued cooperation and measurable outcomes.