A big rise in the number of Chinese tourists in the first four months of 2015 has prompted the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to raise its full-year forecast for Chinese arrivals to 6 million from 5.4 million.
The hope is the Chinese market will drive tourism this year and offset the downtrend of some European countries.
The Tourism and Sports Ministry reported 2.69 million arrivals from China in the first four months, generating 122 billion baht for the country, a surge of 110% year-on-year.
The average spending per person per day among Chinese tourists during the first four months was 6,346 baht.
Tourism and Sports Minister Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul said that was far higher than the first-quarter average of 4,950 baht for all foreign tourists visiting Thailand.
The biggest spenders in the first quarter were Singaporeans (6,284 baht per person), Malaysians (6,020 baht), Indians (5,952 baht) and Australians (5,842 baht).
Mrs Kobkarn said the figures showed a potential increase in high-quality holidaymakers from China.
Thailand is among the top destinations for Chinese travellers, many of whom head to Chiang Mai, the main shooting location for the 2012 hit movie Lost in Thailand.
Mrs Kobkarn said local traders in the North changed their attitude towards Chinese travellers when the latter proved to be big spenders.
Meanwhile, locals have tried to lessen cultural differences by advising foreign visitors on what not to do in Thailand.
The minister voiced confidence that Thailand would meet its 2015 goal of 28.5 million foreign tourists and 1.4 trillion baht in tourism revenue.
For this year up to this past Monday, 12 million foreign tourists contributed 578 billion baht in revenue.
In addition to the leisure market, Thailand has growth potential in the incentives market.
Acting TAT governor Juthaporn Rerngronasa said direct-sales company Infinitus (China) recently rewarded its 12,700 employees with a trip to Thailand.
Moreover, the number of Chinese buyers confirming their attendance at the 14th Thailand Travel Mart (TTM) is the highest among participating countries at 42, followed by Britain (29), Australia (20) and India (18).
The three-day TTM starts next Wednesday at Impact Muang Thong Thani.
The number of buyers is expected to rise by 9% from last year to 323.
