Thailand‘s new strategy to lure in tourists is to dish out five-year visas to celebrities and influencers with large social media followings.
After Beijing dropped most of its Covid-19 journey regulations last month, Thailand is focussed on drawing back vacationers from Hong Kong and China, who had been Thailand’s No.1 tourists pre-pandemic.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) hopes to draw 800,000 vacationers from Hong Kong this 12 months.
The TAT selected to provide Thailand Privilege Cards to three celebrities from Hong Kong – Michelle Yim, Simon Yam and Roger Wu – in exchange for promoting Thailand’s tourism business in China.
Governor of the TAT Yuthasak Supasorn says the three were selected for his or her unwavering help and contributions to Thai tourism.
All three celebrities, sixty seven year old actress Michelle Yim, 67 year outdated actor Simon Yam, and 50 year old food critic and journey blogger Roger Wu have huge followings in Hong Kong in addition to mainland China.
Privilege Card holders benefit from a five-year multiple entry visa, fast-track immigration, lounge access at airports, non-public limousine transfers, and no want for 90-day reporting.
Usually, an Elite visa (Elite Card) with ‘elite privilege access’ prices 1,000,000 Thai baht. Regular Elite playing cards, which are especially in style among Chinese vacationers, cost 600,000 baht.
Yesterday, Governor Yuthasak offered 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 residence.
“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 biggest influencer, Mr Roger Wu Wai Chung, in recognition to their remarkable contribution towards Thai tourism and their commitment to convey Thailand and Hong Kong nearer.
“Most importantly, they are dedicated to making Thai tourism better for everyone.”
“The rewards we now have given to our associates are from the bottom of our hearts as a method of claiming thank you for all they’ve carried out 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 shopping paradise. Thai people are type and well mannered. Also, Thai meals is nice. I hope everyone loves Thailand as a lot as I do.”
With tears in his eyes, Roger Wu said…
“I am actually grateful for this award. After dwelling right here for years, I need to convey a positive message in regards to the country to different nations. Classified isn’t worrisome for travellers, so I wish to invite everyone to the Land of Smiles.”