Arrivals from China are expected to drop during the coming Golden Week period if the government is unable to reassure Chinese tourists on safety issues, say major tourism players.
Tuesday, two major tourism associations urged the government and tourism authorities to restore confidence, especially in marine tourism along the Andaman coast, after a boat accident on July 5 in Phuket claimed the lives of 47 Chinese tourists.
Thousands of Chinese visitors may postpone or cancel planned visits to Thailand and Phuket during Golden Week, starting on Oct 1 (the National Day of the People's Republic of China) and running through Oct 7, said Chaiya Rapuepon, president of the Andaman Tourism Business Association.
Mr Chaiya called on the state to negotiate with Chinese airlines that have halted operations since the tragedy in Phuket.
At least six Chinese carriers -- Spring Airlines, China Eastern, Xiamen Airlines, Juneyao Airlines, Sichuan and China Southern -- stopped providing services between Phuket and China.
"We would like to call on the government to talk with those airlines to resume operations ahead of Golden Week," Mr Chaiya said. "If not, we will lose many tourists."
Each year, millions of Chinese people travel abroad during the long holiday. Thailand has become a favoured destination for them over the past decade.
More than 9.8 million Chinese tourists visited Thailand last year, contributing 561 billion baht in revenue. Many of them flocked to Thailand during Chinese New Year and Golden Week.
If the government lacks clear preventive plans to ensure tourist safety, Chinese travellers might forgo Thailand for other countries in Southeast Asia, Mr Chaiya said.
Vichit Prakobkosol, president of the Association of Thai Travel Agents, said the boat incident damaged Thailand's image.
He urged the government to invest more in safety and security at popular tourism destinations.
China is the largest source market for arrivals and high spenders, averaging 40,000 baht per person per trip.
To provide protection to tourists, the government should strictly enforce the law and tour operators must be punished when mishaps arise, Mr Vichit said.
The Tourism and Sports Ministry Tuesday said China will continue to be the biggest source for Thai tourism. The ministry expects 10 million arrivals from China this year and more than 11 million in 2019.