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Europe
has long been a major source market for the Thai
tourism industry. Of the 15.84 million
international visitor arrivals to Thailand in
2010, a total of 4,341,447 arrivals were from
Europe, a market share of 27.41% and an increase
of 6.93% over 2009.
Although, there was a decline in the second
and third quarters of 2010 due to the internal
political unrest, the air-traffic disruption in
Europe caused by the Iceland volcanic eruption
and the economic crisis in Southern Europe, the
number of visitors rebounded in the fourth
quarter of 2010. Here is a brief snapshot
summary of arrivals from the key European markets:
European Visitor Arrivals to Thailand by
Nationality
January-December 2010
|
Country |
2010 |
2009 |
% |
|
Europe |
4,341,447 |
4,055,118 |
6.93 |
|
United Kingdom |
818,303 |
841,425 |
-2.75 |
|
Germany |
612,620
|
573,473 |
6.83 |
|
Russia |
611,019 |
336,965 |
81.33 |
|
France |
458,292 |
427,067 |
7.31 |
|
Sweden |
316,406 |
350,819 |
-9.81 |
|
East Europe |
205,855 |
181,247 |
13.58 |
|
Netherlands |
198,709 |
205,412 |
-3.26 |
|
Italy |
159,329 |
170,105 |
-6.33 |
|
Switzerland |
155,008 |
148,269 |
4.55 |
|
Denmark |
150,522 |
144,834 |
3.93 |
|
Finland
|
131,525 |
156,000 |
-15.69 |
|
Norway |
124,557 |
121,575 |
2.45 |
|
Austria |
87,383 |
85,786 |
1.86 |
|
Belgium |
81,175 |
80,420 |
0.94 |
|
Spain |
70,719 |
75,362 |
-6.16 |
|
Ireland |
58,813 |
65,530 |
-10.25 |
|
Others |
101,212 |
95,699 |
5.76 |
|
Source of Data: Immigration
Bureau, Police Department
Note: Primary Data Tourist
Arrivals excluded overseas Thai |
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Bangkok voted
world's best city
There is
no better time to visit Thailand than now.
Travel + Leisure (T+L) has recently announced
the results of its 16th annual "World's Best
Awards." Bangkok was voted the "World's Best
Overall City" for a second consecutive year.
Hotels, resorts and destinations throughout
Thailand also proved to be favorites in a
variety of categories
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The Thailand
Tourism Picture Ok
so the TAT Tourism Authority of Thailand says that over 55%
come from other Asian countries. With the largest coming
from the western world being Germany, The UK, Aussies,
The US and Scandanavia, not necessarily in that order.
I hear Pattaya is wall to wall Russians with a great
number of Middle Easterners coming for health care
amongst other facets like shopping. Not only that but 55% of
Thailand's guests are return visitors.Visa run anyone?
Markets in Bangkok
Thailand
Did you know that Chatuchak
Weekend Market is the biggest in Thailand and some
would say the best? The floating market is well outside of
Bangkok but most visitors come from Bangkok city. The Suan
Lum Night Bazaar is located in Lumpinee and is Thai
oriented. If you are staying on the other side of town,
say east of Thong Lo, you might find that the Bangkok
night bazaar on 101/1 is closer. Pratunam is also a market
area and caters mostly to tourists as does the Patong Night
Bazaar.
In the south of
Thailand, off Surat Thani is a group of about 40 islands
that make up the
Angthong National Marine Park. What a great scene it makes
as each is a
forest made of rock formations. The name, Anthong means "golden
bowl" in the Thai language when it is translated in English.
The island's are full of caves and many have great beaches
with boat the
only way of reaching the Islands. One can either take a tour
boat
or you and friends can rent one. Go on, do it.
The Northeast of
Thailand, commonly known as Isan is made of cities of which
Udon Thani and
Korat are possibly the best known, and if you are a fan of
history there are
plenty of Khymer ruins. If you are going to Cambodia or Laos Isan
is on your way and a great place to start. Oh by the way
Isan is where
many Thais live and it is made up of many people who make
their living from
farming. The area is well dotted with incoming airlines so
it is quite easy
to get there. If you would like to see how the "real"
Thai people live go to isan. Or should I say Esan?
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