Southeast Asia Information Port News (www.dnyxxg.com) – On December 19, 2025, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Thailand, Thailand participated as the guest of honor at the 2025 China International Travel Mart (CITM). The trade fair was held from December 19 to 21 at the Hainan International Convention and Exhibition Center in Haikou. The Thai delegation was led by Thapane Kiatpapur, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, accompanied by Deputy Governor Pattaranong Na Chiang Mai.
Thappane stated that Thailand's selection as the guest of honor demonstrates the deep friendship and consensus on tourism cooperation between China and Thailand. The delegation will focus on the South China market, aiming to boost market confidence, expand demand for high-quality tourism, and consolidate Thailand's position as a top destination for Chinese tourists.
As one of China's most influential tourism exhibitions, CITM's first time being held in Haikou highlights Hainan's important position as a gateway to ASEAN tourism. With its solid economic foundation and convenient transportation network, Haikou has become a market with enormous potential for outbound tourism.
At this exhibition, the Thailand Pavilion served both B2B and B2C functions, providing a direct platform for Thai tourism operators to connect with their Chinese partners. The pavilion also featured cultural experience areas such as traditional Thai massage, DIY handicrafts, and Khon opera performances. Concurrently, TAT hosted a "Wonderful Thailand" business luncheon, discussing cooperation with 12 leading travel agencies and 2 airlines, and participated in the Hainan Provincial Government's "Hello China" reception, expanding its tourism promotion channels.
On December 18th, TAT had already signed a letter of intent for cooperation with the Haikou Municipal Bureau of Tourism and Culture and Tongcheng Travel in Haikou, aiming to strengthen strategic collaboration, enhance destination awareness, and deepen bilateral tourism connectivity between China and Thailand.
TAT anticipates that these activities will enhance Thailand's positive tourism image, highlight safety standards and service levels, and stimulate tourism demand from the end of this year to the 2026 Lunar New Year. Combined with its status as the guest of honor and the continued promotion through TAT's offices in five locations in China, this will accelerate the return of high-quality Chinese tourists and solidify Thailand's position as a premium tourist destination.
Data shows that from January 1 to December 12, 2025, 4.24 million Chinese tourists visited Thailand, ranking second among international tourists. The average stay was 8.5 days, with a single visit costing 54,230 baht. Bangkok, Chonburi, Phuket, and Chiang Mai were popular destinations, and Thai cuisine, historical site visits, and spa treatments were among the most popular activities.
