Thailand's Chiang Mai province has launched a crackdown on online operators selling tours at reduced prices, the Tourism Authority of Thailand reports.d (TAT).
Last week, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) held meetings with local authorities and tourism industry representatives. Chiang Mai province, during which the discussion focused on ways to combat online operators selling tours at reduced prices, including on the Chinese market.
“The rise of independent travellers who prefer to create their own itineraries and trips makes online platforms vulnerable to the actions of unscrupulous operators who ultimately create unfair conditions in the market,” he said. Mr. Santi Chudintra, Deputy Head of TAT International Marketing, Asia and South Pacific.
TAT management also invited the Online Tourism Club of Thailand to share their first-hand experiences and tell their colleagues how the company successfully dealt with the same issues in Bangkok and Pattaya.
Founded in January 2017, the Online Travel Club of Thailand has 44 members representing tour and entertainment operators across the country. The club creates standard rates and an atmosphere of parity between all members of the association.
"Chiang Mai tour operators and attractions have agreed to follow the Online Tourism Club of Thailand's practice to resolve the issue," Mr Santi said.
In 2016, Chiang Mai welcomed 2.8 million international tourists, including 900,000 travelers from China.
Source: trn-news.ru