A visa-waiver program for Chinese tourists visiting Thailand is generating mixed feelings for hotelier M. Shiva ahead of its launch on Monday.
As the owner of a small business in Chiang Mai, the 32-year-old knows the importance of Chinese travelers for the local economy, but as their numbers have grown so has his frustration with Chinese companies selling low-budget package tours, derided as “zero-dollar” tours.
“Chinese tourists have a huge impact on local businesses,” Shiva told BenarNews.
His hometown is particularly popular after it was featured in the 2012 Chinese smash hit movie “Lost in Thailand.”
“We rely on them, but we don’t know how to get rid of illicit business people to fully help Thai entrepreneurs,” he said.
Shiva was referring to the many unauthorized tour operators, some of whom the government took to court…
