The Ministry of Tourism and Sports is urging Laos to eliminate visa requirements for Chinese tourists coming from Thailand, following recommendations from Thai tourism operators.
Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong met with tourism stakeholders in Nong Khai province on Thursday, joined by leaders from the Tourism Department and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).
Minister Sorawong announced plans to discuss these issues with his Lao counterpart on Friday.
Currently, individual Chinese tourists are required to pay a 1,000-baht visa-on-arrival fee to enter Laos from Thailand, a fee not applicable to tourists traveling in groups.
Buncha Arsairach, president of the Tourism Council of Nong Khai, expressed that the visa fees deter solo Chinese travelers who frequently use the high-speed rail to enter Laos.
He highlighted the significant role tourism plays in Nong Khai, accounting for more than half of the province’s GDP.
Each month, about 4,000 Chinese tourists visit Nong Khai, with numbers spiking to 8,000 during holiday periods. Mr. Buncha suggested removing the visa-on-arrival fees at Thai-Laos border crossings to potentially increase tourist visits to over 10,000 monthly.
He noted that although tourism revenues are projected to exceed those of 2019, many local businesses continue to face financial challenges.
Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong addressed the gathering in Nong Khai, which included key figures from the Tourism Department and TAT, on Thursday. (Photo: Ministry of Tourism and Sports)
Tanapat Yuttagasemson, secretary of the Nong Khai Chamber of Commerce, remarked that while discussions on security with the Lao authorities might take time, the minister should consider swift stimulus actions such as issuing a 1,000-baht voucher for Chinese tourists to spend locally.
Mr. Tanapat advocated for revised strategies to enhance the appeal of Nong Khai and adjacent areas along the Mekong River, emphasizing the distinct features of each locale.
Moreover, Minister Sorawong proposed enhancing incentives for international film productions in smaller cities, suggesting an increase in cash rebates from 20% to 30%, which will be proposed to the cabinet soon.
Minister Sorawong also attended the Naga Fireball Miracle of Faith 2024 in Nong Khai with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, aiming to boost the region’s cultural influence.
The Tourism Council anticipates welcoming at least 300,000 visitors, expecting full accommodations on Thursday and Friday, an increase from the previous year’s 220,000 attendees.
