Card payment giant China UnionPay and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) on April 30 signed a preliminary agreement that aims to enhance cooperation in the promotion of quality tourism experiences for Chinese visitors to Thailand.

The letter of intent (LoI) between TAT and China UnionPay's subsidiary UnionPay International has a validity of two years. Cooperation under the agreement will range from co-funding joint marketing initiatives and joint promotions and press releases to data sharing and high-end customers.

The agreement is expected to help inspire Chinese tourists and UnionPay cardholders to visit Thailand while enabling a deeper understanding of their consumption and spending behavior.

Specific marketing and outreach efforts towards UnionPay's higher-tiered client base, including Platinum or Diamond cardholders and above, or clients with high income, will be introduced to encourage travel to Thailand and stimulate higher spending.

"The agreement supports the Thai government's tourism policy to forge long-term strategic partnerships with leading players in key tourist markets," said Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT governor.

Statistics from TAT showed that more than 2 million Chinese tourists visited Thailand as of April 21 this year, making it the largest tourist market.

Starting from March, holders of valid Thai ordinary passports and valid Chinese passports for public affairs and ordinary passports were exempted from visa requirements for entering, exiting, or transiting the other country's territory for a 30-day stay.

"Following the visa-free policy for Chinese tourists, further enhancement of cooperation with Chinese counterparts will help facilitate travel as well as develop and promote quality tourism experiences in Thailand for Chinese visitors," said Thapanee.