CHIANGMAI: Thailand is banking on its culture to woo the Chinese tourism dollar.
This comes as a permanent visa waiver for Chinese tourists visiting for up to 30 days kicks in on Friday (Mar 1).
Among the experiences expected to attract visitors is the Yee Peng Festival in Chiangmai, where thousands of people set the night sky alight by releasing sky lanterns.
Typically held in November, the dazzling festival is meant to mark the transition from the gloomy days of the rainy season to the brighter days of the cool season towards the end of the year, unique to the northern provinces.
President of the Chiangmai Tourism Business Association Supamit Kitjapipat said that if Thailand can feature in the world records for releasing the most sky lanterns, that may be one way to draw visitors.
“This’ll be more interesting. I think this is an effective soft power that can attract tourists,” he told CNA.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) plans to promote the Yee Peng lanterns to Chinese tourists.
“TAT is also trying to spread the information about the tradition to the five branches of TAT in China including Taiwan and Hong Kong, to make Yee Peng more attractive,” said Mr Saksakul Suprakritanan, deputy director at the TAT’s Chiangmai Office.
Source: CNA
