CRI听力:Thailand Attracts Chinese Tourists

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, is visiting Thailand at the invitation of the Thai government. His visit to Southeast Asia country has drawn attention from the tourist industry on both sides, which are expecting further boosts in each other's tourism markets.

Pu Yue, manager of Thai traveling services for Ctrip.com, says that services targeted for the Chinese market have vastly improved.

"In the past, introductory tourism brochures were mainly in French, Japanese and English. Now, nearly every scenic spot in Thailand has Chinese brochures. They also provide local Chinese tour guides for non-group travelers to understand the local history and culture. Chinese travelers contribute the most to the local tourism industry."

To date, China has become Thailand's largest tourism source-country. According to the most recent statistics from China's National Tourism Administration, the number of people visiting Thailand during the first eight months this year was 28.4 million, a 107 percent rise compared with the same period of time last year. The number of Thai visitors to the Chinese mainland has also grown, with about 420,000 people visiting in the first eight months.

Pu Yue adds that, with its many attractions and reasonably low-cost accommodations, Thailand is a choice holiday destination for China's middle-income travelers.

"We give Thailand a special distinction—it's a "low price with rich experience" kind of destination. It's been a popular destination among European travelers for the same reason long before the Chinese started coming in droves. For example, you can stay in a five-star hotel in Thailand quite easily, and the cost is the lowest in the world. With the same amount of money you would spend on a cheaper vacation elsewhere, you can really get the most out of your money in Thailand."

As a well-established tourist destination, the Thai government has never stopped coming up with innovative ideas to lure visitors. Media manager, Wang Wei, from the Thailand Tourism Administration Beijing Office, says they are also targeting China's luxury tourists, who would get much more out of a vacation in Thailand than in other locations.

"In recent years, the Thai Tourism Bureau and local tour companies have promoted unique high-end packages, including golf tours, spa experiences and even medical services. For example, tourists can undergo good, safe, reputable cosmetic surgery procedures here, which have gained great popularity among Asian tourists, since the cost is not high."

Despite the heavy flow of tourism, Thailand retains its quintessential identity with its own unique culture, history and a carefree people who maintain a relatively relaxed lifestyle. According to statistics from ctrip.com, up to 60 percent of their customers chose to go to Thailand without a tour-group to enjoy a slower-paced, more enjoyable traveling experience.

For CRI, I'm Liu Min.