This honor is considered to be the tourism equivalent of the Oscars, and Thailand has won it for eight consecutive years in the ‘world’s best country’ category. This is certainly a high accolade and not to be downplayed in any way, and proves there is more to the Land of Smiles than meets the eye.

Thailand and Scandinavia have lengthy established a firm and fruitful relationship, with 378,387 Swedish tourists visiting the Kingdom during 2007, generating somewhere in the region of 25 Billion baht in revenue.

14.4 million Foreign nationals visited Thailand in 2007 alone from over 45 distinct countries. The official 2008 TAT figures have however to be released, but the mood suggests a slight decrease in tourist numbers due to the worldwide economic issues.

The downturn is clearly a widespread issue, which doesn’t represent any failings on the component of Thailand as a key tourist destination in any way. And although businesses in Pattaya, Bangkok, Phuket and Chiang Mai have noticed a minor drop in profits, thing are still carrying on as usual and tourists continue to flock to Thailand’s four favorite tourist regions.

Mike Parry, a U.K. expatriate bar owner in Phuket stated, “The Island is still the location to be, and visitors from all over the world are visiting Phuket in droves, spending huge money, and the vibrant atmosphere is still the same as ever. To be honest, we are beginning to notice an influx of visitors from much more diverse countries than ever prior to.”

The majority of tourists come from Western European nations and Australia, but over the past two years there has been a dramatic rise of visitors from the Middle-East, China, Korea and Japan. This is an ever-growing marketplace which Emirates Airline is rapidly trying to accommodate by initiating a new Airbus A380 Megajet service from Dubai to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport. Chumpol Silpa-archa, Minister of Sports and Tourism explained, “This launch reflects how much the airline expects visitors to improve to Thailand.” TAT have projected that visitors from the Middle East will rise 6.five% in 2009, and Emirates must be commended for their vigilance and vision.

All the key Airlines are also performing their utmost in combating the worldwide economic decline by supplying value-for-cash flights to encourage greater numbers to pay a visit to Thailand.  For instance, Qantas/British Airways are beginning to supply unique rates on economy tickets from Australia and the United Kingdom to Bangkok. From any major Australian city, British Airways are charging as little as 15,590bht, and 23,650bht from London for roundtrip economy tickets.

The American travel market is also receiving welcome discount prices for economy roundtrip tickets to Bangkok.  Northwest and Delta Air Lines are offering tickets from American Cities such as San Francisco, Seattle, Los Angeles, Portland, Las Vegas and San Diego for as little as 20,000bht. Salt Lake City to Bangkok economy-class tickets are being offered from 26,500bht for the roundtrip.

David Phelps, an American national who has been visiting Thailand two times each year for the past decade said, “I wasn’t going to come to Thailand on vacation this year, what with the value of the Dollar and the economic hardships. But the airlines and Thailand themselves are making so considerably of an effort to drop the costs and encourage tourism, I have decided to make my usual pilgrimage to this beautiful country that I enjoy extremely considerably.”

Repeat visitors make up much more than 1 third of the Thailand tourism trade and this is not a coincidence. The magnetic allure of the country and its great inhabitants is underestimated and is the foundation of the tourist industry. Lengthy term visitors always joke, “Nobody visits Thailand only when.” This kind of repeat visitor already understands how the country works and is not so dependent on package holidays or hotel bookings.

There is a reported 30% decrease in hotel occupancy, but when you take into consideration that so a lot of repeat visitors are favoring self-catering brief-term villa rentals instead of hotel accommodation, the market is still very healthy.

The Pattaya based holiday home rental company Thailand Holiday Houses has seen their figures rise a massive 32% in a two year period, providing a fascinating insight to the changing demographics of the tourist business. Khun Nom, the Thai owner of Thailand Holiday Houses said, “We have numerous repeat customers and referrals due to the fact of giving outstanding value for money, a free auto for their personal use and 24 hour service. It appears that modern tourists prefer the privacy and freedom which a luxury self-catering rental villa supplies.”

Whether or not you are a repeat visitor or a 1st timer, Thailand is the quintessential tropical paradise, with a colourful culture and an electric atmosphere, where folks fall in really like at 1st sight. Many tourists go to the Kingdom for a number of factors that include beachside getaways, cultural excursions and the amazing diving conditions with gorgeous coral reefs.

A lot of western men fall in really like with the country and the petite smiling females in certain. The feeling from the Thai females is mutual as a recent survey proved. The women of the Northeastern rural province of Isaan have long been famous for marrying western men. A recent survey which covered 484 ladies from the Northern provinces showed that a whopping 61% suggested they would like to marry a western man, not only because his wealth, but also for the respect and faithfulness they provide females.

It doesn’t actually matter what your reason for visiting Thailand is, the country has showed massive resolve in combating the present economic problems of the world and is battling against adversity. Thailand will continue to win awards and accolades for becoming 1 of the world’s favorite holiday destinations for a basic reason. Individuals really like this incredible country and the exotic allure of its culture, breathtaking scenery and the gracious attitude of its inhabitants.

Australia Tourism