Competing Internationally for the Chinese Tourist Market with Consideration for Local Thai Residents
Abstract
Marketing to travelers from China will require an examination of many factors that can shape the dynamics in order to remain competitive in the global market for a large volume of tourists. The objective of this study is to investigate the challenges of marketing to Chinese tourists and to suggest practical guidelines for meeting these challenges in the Thai tourist industry. This report outlines two primary pressing concerns in the Thai tourist industry. First, finding effective and efficient methods to forecast the number of incoming tourists has not been explored due to a lack of coordination between the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and the Sports and Tourism Ministry. Second, there is evidence that Chinese tourists are creating a negative impact on the economy, society, culture, and the environment of the local community. These issues in turn lead to concerns for attracting more future tourism, and maintaining the local lifestyle.