Tourexpi
Thailand named Guest Country of Honour at CITM 2025
Thailand has been named Guest Country of Honour at China International Travel Mart (CITM) 2025, marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and China. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is leading the country’s tourism industry participation at the fair.
High-level delegation leads participation
The Thai delegation is headed by Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of TAT, together with Miss Pattaraanong Na Chiang Mai, Deputy Governor for International Marketing – Asia and the South Pacific.
Strategic focus on South China markets
“Thailand’s role as Guest Country of Honour reflects the depth of our bilateral relationship,” said Ms. Thapanee, highlighting a targeted South China strategy to strengthen market confidence and stimulate high-quality demand.
Haikou as a growing tourism gateway
CITM 2025 is being hosted in Haikou for the first time, underscoring Hainan’s growing role as a gateway for tourism engagement with ASEAN markets, particularly among millennials, families and premium travellers.
Thailand Pavilion and industry networking
At the event, the Thailand Pavilion serves as a hub for B2B and B2C engagement, with cultural showcases and the Amazing Thailand Networking Lunch bringing together Chinese tour operators and airline partners.
Strengthening long-term cooperation
In parallel with CITM, TAT signed Letters of Intent with local authorities and Tongcheng Travel Holdings to enhance destination awareness and connectivity between Thailand and China.
Market performance and demand outlook
From January to mid-December 2025, Chinese visitors ranked second among international arrivals to Thailand, totalling 4.24 million travellers, with strong spending and demand across key destinations.
Image Credit: © TAT
The most interesting news
Read the News
Gobeklitepe Welcomes More Than 4.4 Million Visitors Since UNESCO Recognition
World's oldest known temple continues to strengthen southeastern Türkiye's appeal as a cultural tourism destination
Read the News
WTTC and UNEP Launch Strategic Partnership to Accelerate Sustainable Tourism
New alliance will promote circular economy, biodiversity protection and measurable environmental action across the global Travel & Tourism sector
Read the News
British Airways Celebrates 80 Years of US Service with Major Lounge Investment
Airline marks transatlantic milestone while unveiling plans to enhance premium customer experience across the United States
Read the News
Deutsche Bank Expands SAF Partnership with Lufthansa Group
Investment in Sustainable Aviation Fuel is expected to reduce CO₂ emissions by around 5,500 tonnes
Read the News
Ryanair Urges Delay of EU Entry-Exit System Until September
Airline warns of longer border control queues during the summer holiday peak and calls for governments to postpone the EES rollout
Read the News
Marriott International Selects The Coca-Cola Company as Global Beverage Partner
Strategic agreement expands beverage choices across Marriott's worldwide hotel portfolio
Read the News
Vietnam Airlines Launches Direct Ho Chi Minh City–Phuket Service
New route marks the first milestone of TAT's partnership with Vietnam Airlines and strengthens regional tourism links
Read the News
Traveloka and Marriott International Expand Partnership Across Southeast Asia
Multi-year agreement gives Traveloka users direct access to Marriott's global hotel portfolio
Read the News
Taiwan Tourism Showcases Year-Round Experiences in Australia and New Zealand
Three-city roadshow strengthens trade partnerships and highlights Taiwan's growing appeal to regional travellers
Read the News
IHG Expands Greater China Portfolio with New Hotel Openings in Second Half of 2026
New properties across major cities, transport hubs and leisure destinations strengthen the group's multi-brand presence
Read the News
Marella Cruises launches new brand campaign celebrating authentic travel memories
Integrated campaign targets travellers over 40 with a fresh perspective on cruising
Read the News
Ko Samui Named Asia Pacific's Best Island at Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards 2026
Thailand secures five top destination rankings, with Bangkok, Phuket, Ko Chang and Chiang Mai also recognised
Read the News
Temple of Apollo Opens for Evening Visits Under Türkiye's Night Museum Programme
Ancient sanctuary in Didim offers visitors a new way to experience one of the world's most important oracle sites during the summer season
Read the News
Wego and Tourism Malaysia launch partnership to boost travel from the Middle East
Joint campaign will promote Malaysia's diverse experiences ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026
Read the News
Hapag-Lloyd Cruises Unveils Extraordinary Christmas and New Year Voyages for 2026/2027
Luxury and expedition ships will celebrate the festive season from the Caribbean to Antarctica
Read the News
TAT’s CF-Hotels Platform Wins Green Leadership Award at AREA 2026
Recognition highlights Thailand’s efforts to transform low-carbon tourism policy into measurable action across the hotel sector
Read the News
Agoda Highlights Cool-Climate Destinations Across Asia Pacific for Summer Travelers
From New Zealand's winter landscapes to Malaysia's highlands, the travel platform recommends refreshing escapes from the summer heat
Read the News
Eurowings Celebrates GNTM Winner Aurélie with WINGS Magazine Cover
Flight attendant and Germany's Next Top Model winner becomes the face of the airline's summer in-flight magazine
Read the News
International Visitors Expected to Spend Nearly €64 Billion in Spain This Summer
Tourism spending is forecast to outpace visitor growth again as Spain prepares for another record summer season
Read the News
IHG Surpasses 200 Hotels in Canada as Expansion Continues
New openings and upcoming brand launches strengthen the company's long-term growth strategy
Read the News
Harbour City Celebrates Toy Story 5 with Large-Scale Hong Kong Carnival
Immersive attractions, interactive experiences and exclusive exhibitions transform the waterfront destination into a Toy Story universe
