China allows resumption of group travel to Thailand

China will allow the resumption of overseas group tours to 20 countries, including Thailand, from February 6, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism announced Friday.

The Chinese authorities have given their approval for group tours and “flight + hotel” services in 20 countries. In addition to Thailand, these are Indonesia, Cambodia, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Laos, United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Kenya, South Africa, Russia, Switzerland, Hungary, New Zealand, Fiji, Cuba and Argentina.

Thailand’s largest source of tourists

China is by far the largest source of tourists to Thailand, but the recent easing of travel restrictions by Beijing only applied to individual travelers.

Thailand was one of the most popular vacation destinations over the Lunar New Year, according to Trip.com, which reported a six-fold rise in travel searches from China.

As much as 7-8…