Bangkok – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has appointed Thai pop star Mario Maurer to promote the kingdom in China, under the ‘Tour Thailand with Mario Maurer’ project, as part of its plan to attract more Chinese tourists to the country during the year of “Discover Thainess” in 2015.

H.E. Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, Minister of Tourism and Sports said, “China is one of Thailand’s main tourist markets. One of the contributing factors that attract Chinese tourists to Thailand is Thai films and television series, as well as Thai pop stars. This is why TAT is launching a celebrity marketing campaign, appointing Mario Maurer who is very famous in China, to help promote Thailand to his Chinese fans and followers.”

Many Thai pop stars have become popular in China, due in part to their roles in Thai films and television series, which have been brought to the mainland since 2010 by several Chinese TV networks, including CCTV8, Hunan and Anhui.

Mr. Thawatchai Arunyik, TAT Governor said, “Mario, in particular, has more than three million Chinese fans, including teenagers, working-age population and families. He also has a network of more than one million followers on social media; such as, Weibo and WeChat. Under the ‘Tour Thailand with Mario Maurer’ project, he will take the lead role in various publicity activities, to be created by TAT, to reach out to Chinese tourists.”

Mario is tasked to star in a 6 short videos featuring the essence of Thainess through his journey to popular Thai destinations among Chinese tourists, as well as some of TAT’s recommended 12 hidden gems tourists should not miss in Thailand. The films will be promoted via online media in China.

The Thai pop star is also scheduled to lead a Meet & Greet activity in Shanghai, Kunming and Chengdu, give interviews to Chinese media and participate in online and on air games to seek the lucky 10 winners from his fan club to attend an exclusive dinner with Mario in Shanghai. In addition, he will be sharing his travel experiences in Thailand to his Chinese fans via social media; such as, Weibo and WeChat, throughout 2015.

The ‘Tour Thailand with Mario Maurer’ project is well-received by TAT’s partners in China, including various media outlets and television networks. Shanghai’s leading department store, Super Brand Mall, will also join in the activity and promotion to stimulate Chinese tourists to travel to Thailand.

Mario Maurer said, “I am proud to have the opportunity to help promote Thailand in China and glad to welcome my fans as well as other Chinese people to explore the charm of Thailand in terms of culture, people, and destinations. Also, I am very excited to have a chance to visit new destinations in Thailand and share my experiences to my fans in China. Nong Sukjai, the TAT mascot, and I look forward to meet and greet my Chinese fans both in China and here in Thailand.”

In 2015, TAT expects Thailand to welcome 5.1 million Chinese tourists and generate 219 billion Baht in revenue. Last year, the kingdom recorded 4.6 million visitors from China, generating 188 billion Baht in revenue. Between January and October of this year, there were a total of 3,598,479 Chinese tourists to Thailand. In October this year, the number of Chinese arrivals was up by 67.02 % to 501, 043 over the same period in 2013.