Tourism Ministry Urges Laos to Waive Visa for Chinese Tourists.
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports is calling on Laos to eliminate visa requirements for Chinese tourists returning from Thailand. This proposal comes from Thai tourism operators who met with the ministry on Thursday.
Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong held discussions with tourism operators in Nong Khai province, along with officials from the Tourism Department and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). Mr. Sorawong plans to present these issues and proposals to his counterpart in Laos on Friday.
Currently, independent Chinese tourists face a visa-on-arrival fee of 1,000 baht when entering Laos from Thailand. In contrast, group tourists are exempt from this fee.
Buncha Arsairach, president of the Tourism Council of Nong Khai, explained that the visa fees deter independent Chinese tourists. Many of these travelers arrive in Laos via high-speed rail. He emphasized the economic benefits of increasing tourist numbers in Nong Khai, where tourism accounts for over 50% of the province’s gross domestic product (GDP).
On average, around 4,000 Chinese tourists visit Nong Khai each month, with numbers rising to 8,000 during peak holiday periods. Mr. Buncha suggested waiving the visa-on-arrival fees at Thai-Laos border checkpoints to encourage more than 10,000 tourists per month.
He also noted that while tourism revenue is expected to exceed 2019 figures, many local operators still face financial challenges.
During the meeting in Nong Khai, Minister Sorawong Thienthong spoke with local tourism operators and TAT executives about various issues. He acknowledged the importance of collaboration between the government and the private sector to enhance tourism strategies in Nong Khai and nearby provinces along the Mekong River.
Tanapat Yuttagasemson, secretary of the Nong Khai Chamber of Commerce, mentioned that discussions regarding security issues with the Lao government might take time. However, he suggested that the tourism minister could quickly introduce stimulus measures, such as providing a 1,000-baht cash coupon for Chinese tourists to use at local restaurants, shops, and accommodations.
In addition to discussing visa policies, Mr. Sorawong also proposed increasing cash rebates for foreign film productions in second-tier cities from 20% to 30%. This proposal will be submitted to the cabinet next week.
On Thursday, Mr. Sorawong attended the Naga Fireball Miracle of Faith 2024 in Nong Khai, alongside Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, to showcase local culture and tourism.
The Tourism Council anticipates at least 300,000 tourists during this period, with full occupancy rates expected on Thursday and Friday, surpassing last year’s total of 220,000 visitors.
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