Phuket Tourist Association (PTA) in collaboration with Phuket Provincial Administration Organization (PPAO) organized ‘Phuket Roadshow to China 2018’ brought Phuket Entrepreneurs to 3 main cities in China – Guangzhou, Chengdu and Hangzhou, during May 7-11, 2018. The activity aims to promote tourism sales, meeting and introducing new tourism products to travel agents in China, and also update information on Phuket’s tourism and services. The Phuket Roadshow to China 2018 event which was participated by 17 Phuket tourism entrepreneurs received high attention from local agents since the first day activities held in Guangzhou on May 7 which was received high attention from local agents.

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​Mrs. Indira Wuttisomboon, Director of Tourism Authority of Thailand, Guangzhou Office said that, this event was very helpful to both parties as Guangzhou is located in the south of China and is the main city of Guangdong Province which is considered to be the largest province in China. It’s also located in the same region as Shenzhen, one of the most important cities in China and both cities have the highest economic growth rate. The people in these cities have been traveling to Thailand and they get to know the country very well. This activity will bring entrepreneurs from both cities to know more about new products in Phuket such as Sport Tourism, Honeymoon and Adventures which are very popular among Chinese tourists. In addition, the recently launch of direct flight from Guangzhou to Phuket by Shenzhen Airlines will also help increasing number of Chinese tourists to Phuket.

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​The Roadshow event continued on the next day at Chengdu, Sichuan Province with participation of 54 travel agents from Chengdu and nearby cities joining and meeting with Phuket entrepreneurs.

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​Mr. Charan Chuennaitham, Director of Tourism Authority of Thailand, Chengdu Office said that, in 2017 about 700,000 tourists from Sichuan had visited Thailand. Since Sichuan is the central area of the country and there are no seaside towns, therefore the main destinations for tourists are the sea or islands. According to last year’s data, the most popular destinations in this group are Bangkok and Pattaya, followed by Phuket, Krabi and Koh Samui. The convenience of direct travel to Phuket making great opportunity to the island. Sichuan tourists are mainly honeymoon couples, family and sport travelling group such as golf and marathon.

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​On May 10, the Roadshow was held at Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province where 29 travel operators from Hangzhou and Shanghai had participated.

​Miss Prompetch Lertrattanapreecha , Deputy Director Tourism Authority of Thailand, Shanghai Office said that, tourists from Zhejiang are the most potential group. With China’s No. 4 GDP, tourists from this region are still traveling in group; however, the number of F.I.T. tourists is starting to be increased. The destinations of this tourist group are still the sea and islands, and Phuket is also their favorite destination. The direct flights from many cities in Zhejiang to Phuket and the new products that have been introduced to them during this event will help increasing the number of tourists to Phuket more.

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​Mr. Rangsimant Kingkaew, PTA Executive Board said that the activities that held in 3 main cities in China will help promoting Phuket tourism and bringing more Chines tourists especially F.I.T. tourists to Phuket in the soon future.

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​PTA also would like to thank you to the Tourism Authority of Thailand in 4 offices, namely Guangzhou, Chengdu, Shanghai and Phuket for the generous coordination, as well as Phuket Provincial Administrative Organization for their support and participation in this event.