Thailand‘s new strategy to lure in vacationers is to dish out five-year visas to celebrities and influencers with massive social media followings.
After Beijing dropped most of its Covid-19 journey laws last month, Thailand is focussed on drawing again tourists from Hong Kong and China, who were Thailand’s No.1 vacationers pre-pandemic.
Elementary of Thailand (TAT) hopes to attract 800,000 tourists from Hong Kong this 12 months.
The TAT chose to give Thailand Privilege Cards to three celebrities from Hong Kong – Michelle Yim, Simon Yam and Roger Wu – in exchange for selling Thailand’s tourism industry in China.
Governor of the TAT Yuthasak Supasorn says the three have been chosen for his or her unwavering help and contributions to Thai tourism.
All three celebrities, sixty seven 12 months outdated actress Michelle Yim, 67 12 months old actor Simon Yam, and 50 year previous meals critic and journey blogger Roger Wu have huge followings in Hong Kong in addition to mainland China.
Privilege Card holders profit from a five-year a quantity of entry visa, fast-track immigration, lounge access at airports, non-public limousine transfers, and no need for 90-day reporting.
Usually, an Elite visa (Elite Card) with ‘elite privilege access’ costs 1,000,000 Thai baht. Regular Elite cards, which are especially in style among Chinese vacationers, cost 600,000 baht.
Yesterday, Governor Yuthasak introduced the three celebrities with an award on the Sindhorn Kempinski hotel…
“Thailand and Hong Kong have always shared robust and sustainable connections, and many Hong Kong folks see Thailand as their second home.
“Today, we’re honoured to current the Thailand Privilege Card, Friends of Thailand, and Tourism Authority of Thailand Appreciation Award to the legendary Hong Kong celebrities Ms Michelle Yim and Mr Simon Yam Tat Wah, and our largest influencer, Mr Roger Wu Wai Chung, in recognition to their outstanding contribution in path of Thai tourism and their commitment to deliver Thailand and Hong Kong closer.
“Most importantly, they are committed to making Thai tourism better for everybody.”
“The rewards we now have given to our associates are from the bottom of our hearts as a means of claiming thank you for all they have accomplished for Thailand.”
Upon receiving her award, Michelle Yim said…
“I am glad to see advances in Thai tourism and really honoured to receive these awards. Thailand is a buying paradise. Thai individuals are kind and well mannered. Also, Thai food is sweet. I hope everyone loves Thailand as much as I do.”
With tears in his eyes, Roger Wu said…
“I am really grateful for this award. After residing here for years, I wish to convey a constructive message about the country to other nations. Thailand isn’t worrisome for travellers, so I want to invite everybody to the Land of Smiles.”