The Tourism Authority of Thailand is launching two new initiatives to attract Chinese travellers. Papers were signed this week to seal a new partnership between popular Chinese search engine Baidu and the Tourism Authority of Thailand. The collaboration aims to increase Chinese tourism, with a focus on attracting high spenders through targeted promotions. Both brands will offer tourism products and services enabling travellers to plan and book trips to Thailand easily while also discovering lesser-known Thai destinations. “TAT aims to restructure the market by expanding to high-end tourists from various cities of China like Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chongqing and Chengdu. This cooperation will allow TAT to reach this target group directly and rapidly. Through this effort with Baidu, Chinese tourists will have a wealth of information even before their departure and can always find more information upon their arrival in Thailand,” said Yuthasak Supasorn, governor, Tourism Authority of Thailand. Baidu will also debut a new product, Baidu Map, which will assist Chinese travellers abroad, starting in Thailand, with recommendations for popular attractions, restaurants and more. The two brands are also joining to further current Thai tourism initiatives. In July, both will push the already popular Amazing Romance in Thailand promotion, and Baidu Map will increase female-specific recommendations for Thailand’s Women’s Journey promotion. An audio guide to the city’s best attractions is also in the works. Earlier this month, the Tourism Authority of Thailand debuted a separate project, the 2016 People’s Choice Awards Thailand Voted by Chinese Tourists. Chinese visitors to Thailand are encouraged to vote for their favorite activities for a chance to win a luxury visit to the country. Tourists can vote for everything from airlines and festivals to spas and golf. Voting is open through June 19 and winners will be announced June 27. “Tourists from China made up the largest group of visitors to Thailand for travel and leisure in 2015. We want to tailor our services and attractions to meet their needs and expectations,” Supasorn added regarding this particular initiative.