A "5.19 China Tourism Day" themed festival was held in Bangkok from Friday to Sunday, engaging Thai and Chinese officials, travel trade professionals, and visitors in exchanges and activities to promote tourism between the two countries.

The event, supported by the Chinese Embassy in Thailand and the Chongqing Municipal Culture and Tourism Development Commission and jointly organized by the Bangkok Tourism Office and the China Culture and Entertainment Association, is part of the celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of the establishment of China-Thailand diplomatic relations.

With the slogan "Nihao (hello), China," the festival featured tourism exhibitions, a short video competition, and a smart tourism forum, showcasing the diverse appeal and resources of China's inbound tourism.

Chinese Ambassador to Thailand Han Zhiqiang addressed the opening ceremony, inviting more Thai tourists to visit China and experience its authentic, modern, and captivating charm.

Sorawong Thienthong, Minister of Tourism and Sports of Thailand, said this event has built an important platform for the Thai people to understand China's tourism resources, adding Thailand is willing to work with China to promote the continued expansion of mutual tourism visits.

"China is Thailand's largest source of tourists, while the number of Thai tourists visiting China continues to grow. This not only strengthens tourism cooperation but also lays a more solid foundation for building a China-Thailand community with a shared future," said Sorawong.

During the event, representatives from smart tourism enterprises in both countries held a roundtable discussion on digital cultural tourism trends.

The third "I Want to Visit China" short video competition was also launched, providing Thai youths with a new platform to learn about China.

"Last year, I participated in the second 'I Want to Visit China' short video competition and was invited to visit Wuhan. I was thrilled to taste local food, experience Chinese culture, and see modern China, including autonomous vehicles and high-speed rail. The modern China is very different from what we imagined. I will encourage my friends to join this year's competition," said Tampa, a Thai travel blogger and former competition participant.