Chinese outbound tourists as international consumer in Northern Thailand—A dynamic mobility perspective

Abstract

This article examines the mindsets of independent Chinese tourists in the context of the emerging dynamic mobility perspective. It investigates Chinese tourists’ travel impulses, cross-border flows, quality-of-life perceptions, and the meaning of living a mobile lifestyle. Through face-to-face interviews and drawing on narrative descriptions in social media and newsletters, the article draws findings relating to travel motivations, the reconstruction of self, the quality-of-life mindsets, free-itinerary tour mode, and the influences of modern technology. The article aims at addressing the current development trends of Chinese outbound tourists, providing an understanding of the complex characteristics and the gradual release of Chinese outbound tourists’ cross-border mobility freedom.