Over 57 million Chinese tourists traveled abroad in 2011, and Thailand expects to lure 1.3 million visitors from the mainland in 2011. According to the China Tourism Academy, China remained Asia's largest source of outbound tourists and their spending abroad this year is expected to climb to a staggering US$55 billion (1.6 trillion baht).

More Chinese tourists are expected to visit Phuket during the Chinese New Year.

In Thailand, Chinese tourists are the second largest group after Malaysians (see box). The total numbers of Chinese visitors jumped dramatically by 45%, from 777,508 in 2009 to 1.2 million last year. On average they spent about 5,000 baht a day and stay up to six day per trip.

The numbers of Chinese tourists will continue to increase due to a variety of factors, said Vichit Prakobkosol, president of the Thai-Chinese Tourism Alliance Association. The first reason is that the overall economic situation in China is good (about 10% growth) and this enables people to travel outside the country. Secondly, Thailand is one of their favourite destinations because they consider the Kingdom good value for money, he said. Other attractions include the various activities lined up for the tourists and escaping to a warmer place during China's winter season.

Vichit said the Chinese long holiday to celebrate the Lunar New Year next month (Feb 3) will bring thousands of Chinese to the country, especially Phuket.

There will be an estimated 150 charter flights from China to the island during early of February. The figure is almost double the number of charter flights last year, he said.

In order to draw more Chinese visitors, Vichit said the government should consider extending the free period of visa exemption which will expire at the end of March. There should also be more campaigns about Thailand in China, including promoting Thai movies in the country, publishing travel guidebooks in Chinese as well as promoting direct flights between the two countries.

"At present, direct flights are offered in eight cities and only one percent of the Chinese population have travelled to Thailand. We have a greater chance to lure more visitors if we provide more facilities for them," he added.