BANGKOK, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- When a group of Chinese tourists traveling from Shanghai to Thailand arrived at Suvarnabhumi International Airport on Tuesday, they were greeted with souvenirs brimming with New Year blessings.

Additionally, a Thai-Chinese friendship performance was staged at the airport to add color and an auspicious atmosphere, impressing the passengers from the moment they set foot in Thailand and reaffirming the country's commitment to providing a memorable welcome during this important festival.

Since the beginning of this year, the Southeast Asian country has made great efforts to welcome back Chinese visitors, traditionally one of Thailand's largest source markets, after last year's downturn.

Chinese arrivals declined last year due to various factors, including safety concerns, which contributed to hesitation among potential travelers.

In response, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has rolled out Amazing Thailand Chinese New Year 2026 and other promotions under its "Zhong Tai Yi Jia Qin -- China and Thailand Are One Family" campaign to coincide with Chinese New Year, aiming to reinforce Thailand's standing as one of the leading destinations for Chinese New Year celebrations.

As part of the drive, the TAT has teamed up with major travel agents and online travel agencies to run joint sales promotions from January to March.

According to the Association of Thai Travel Agents, during the Chinese New Year 2026, the average number of Chinese tourists arriving in Thailand surged to nearly 30,000 per day, double the usual figure, which is seen as a clear sign of recovery.

Statistics from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports showed that between Jan. 1 and Feb. 15, Thailand had welcomed over 5 million international visitors, with China the largest source country.

Natthriya Thaweevong, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, spoke about the recent figures, highlighting that the tourism boom during the 2026 Chinese New Year holiday had significantly contributed to the influx of visitors from nearby markets, especially China.

In Bangkok, Yaowarat Road, from Odeon Circle to Chaloem Buri Intersection, is decorated with large-scale festive illuminations, with five Chinese characters reading "Zhong Tai Yi Jia Qin" shining brightly at the entrance, creating a lively atmosphere that celebrates prosperity and the long-standing friendship between the two countries.

Aksornsri Phanishsarn, associate professor of the Faculty of Economics at Thammasat University of Thailand, said that Thailand is very glad to welcome a large number of Chinese tourists once again, as their return has injected new vitality into Thailand's economy.

For 2026, the TAT has set an ambitious goal to attract 36.7 million foreign visitors, Aksornsri said, adding that it is hoped that more and more Chinese tourists will visit Thailand to contribute to the achievement of the target.