Political Downturn as Thailand Tourism Accelerates

This honor is considered to be the tourismvisiting Thailand two times every year for the
equivalent of the Oscars, and Thailand has won itpast decade said, “I wasn’t going to
for eight consecutive years in thecome to Thailand on vacation this year, what with
‘world’s best country’ category. Thisthe value of the Dollar and the economic
is certainly a high accolade and not to behardships. But the airlines and Thailand themselves
downplayed in any way, and proves there isare making so much of an effort to drop the
more to the Land of Smiles than meets the eye.prices and encourage tourism, I have decided to
Thailand and Scandinavia have long established amake my usual pilgrimage to this beautiful country
firm and fruitful relationship, with 378,387 Swedishthat I love very much.”
tourists visiting the Kingdom during 2007,Repeat visitors make up more than one third of
generating somewhere in the region of 25 Billionthe Thailand tourism trade and this is not a
baht in revenue.coincidence. The magnetic allure of the country
14.4 million Foreign nationals visited Thailand inand its wonderful inhabitants is underestimated
2007 alone from over 45 different countries. Theand is the foundation of the tourist industry. Long
official 2008 TAT figures have yet to beterm visitors always joke, “Nobody visits
released, but the mood suggests a slight decreaseThailand only once.” This type of repeat
in tourist numbers due to the worldwide economicvisitor already understands how the country
problems.works and is not so dependent on package
The downturn is clearly a widespread issue, whichholidays or hotel bookings.
doesn’t represent any failings on the part ofThere is a reported 30% decrease in hotel
Thailand as a major tourist destination in any way.occupancy, but when you take into consideration
And though businesses in Pattaya, Bangkok,that so many repeat visitors are favoring
Phuket and Chiang Mai have noticed a minor dropself-catering short-term villa rentals instead of
in profits, thing are still carrying on as usual andhotel accommodation, the industry is still very
tourists continue to flock to Thailand’s fourhealthy.
favorite tourist regions.The Pattaya based holiday home rental company
Mike Parry, a U.K. expatriate bar owner in PhuketThailand Holiday Homes has seen their figures rise
stated, “The Island is still the place to be, anda massive 32% in a two year period, providing a
visitors from all over the world are visiting Phuketfascinating insight to the changing demographics of
in droves, spending big money, and the vibrantthe tourist industry. Khun Nom, the Thai owner of
atmosphere is still the same as ever. To beThailand Holiday Homes said, “We have many
honest, we are starting to notice an influx ofrepeat clients and referrals due to the fact of
visitors from more diverse countries than evergiving excellent value for money, a free car for
before.”their personal use and 24 hour service. It seems
The majority of tourists come from Westernthat modern tourists prefer the privacy and
European nations and Australia, but over the pastfreedom which a luxury self-catering rental villa
two years there has been a dramatic rise ofprovides.”
visitors from the Middle-East, China, Korea andWhether you are a repeat visitor or a first timer,
Japan. This is an ever-growing market whichThailand is the quintessential tropical paradise, with
Emirates Airline is quickly trying to accommodatea colourful culture and an electric atmosphere,
by initiating a new Airbus A380 Megajet servicewhere people fall in love at first sight. Many
from Dubai to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport.tourists visit the Kingdom for a number of
Chumpol Silpa-archa, Minister of Sports andreasons that include beachside getaways, cultural
Tourism explained, “This launch reflects howexcursions and the amazing diving conditions with
much the airline expects visitors to increase tobeautiful coral reefs.
Thailand.” TAT have projected that visitorsMany western men fall in love with the country
from the Middle East will rise 6.5% in 2009, andand the petite smiling females in particular. The
Emirates must be commended for their vigilancefeeling from the Thai women is mutual as a
and vision.recent survey proved. The women of the
All the major Airlines are also doing their utmost inNortheastern rural province of Isaan have long
combating the worldwide economic decline bybeen famous for marrying western men. A
providing value-for-money flights to encouragerecent survey which covered 484 women from
greater numbers to visit Thailand.  For instance,the Northern provinces showed that a whopping
Qantas/British Airways are beginning to offer61% suggested they would like to marry a
special rates on economy tickets from Australiawestern man, not only because his wealth, but
and the United Kingdom to Bangkok. From anyalso for the respect and faithfulness they offer
major Australian city, British Airways are chargingwomen.
as little as 15,590bht, and 23,650bht from LondonIt doesn’t really matter what your reason for
for roundtrip economy tickets.visiting Thailand is, the country has showed
The American travel market is also receivingmassive resolve in combating the current
welcome discount prices for economy roundtripeconomic problems of the world and is battling
tickets to Bangkok.  Northwest and Delta Airagainst adversity. Thailand will continue to win
Lines are providing tickets from American Citiesawards and accolades for being one of the
such as San Francisco, Seattle, Los Angeles,world’s favorite holiday destinations for a
Portland, Las Vegas and San Diego for as little assimple reason. People love this amazing country
20,000bht. Salt Lake City to Bangkokand the exotic allure of its culture, breathtaking
economy-class tickets are being offered fromscenery and the gracious attitude of its
26,500bht for the roundtrip.inhabitants.
David Phelps, an American national who has been