Thailand’s Koh Samui Prepares for Flood of Chinese Tourists, Stands to Earn THB 200M

Thailand is preparing for the heavy influx of tourists from China following the latter’s declaration of a week-long holiday that started last Sunday. Thai authorities have estimated that up to 260,000 visitors from mainland China will flock to different destinations around the country in celebration of the Golden Week. A sizeable chunk of the travelers have already booked in Koh Samui.

The projected earnings of Koh Samui during the entire period, according to Bangkok Post, could reach THB 200 million. Thai tourism officials have indicated that as early as last week, thousands of visitors from key Chinese cities have begun arriving with Koh Samui as their preferred destination.

Koh Samui favored by Chinese tourists

In recent years, Koh Samui has emerged as a favorite by Chinese holidaymakers, majority of them lured by the island’s numerous tourism attractions and activities. Among the more popular offerings by the island is diving and courses of which are offered by several resort owners.

Tourism officials in the island have revealed that Chinese tourists who made reservations to Koh Samui were known as “big spenders.” The visitors were normally billeted on four- or five-star hotels and resorts in and around the island, the report said.

In 2016, Koh Samui has witnessed a flood of around 200,000 vacationers from China or 50 percent more of the Chinese visitors recorded in the previous year. Tourism officials said the Chinese have been slowly catching up on their European counterparts, foremost of them the Germans, as the top travelers that regularly make their way to Koh Samui.

Thai authorities said the 260,000 Chinese tourists scheduled to visit the country represent but a fraction of the 720 million people that were predicted to make their holiday plans in and out of China. Thailand competes with Japan and Singapore as the most preferred Asian holiday destination by travelers coming from China.