THAILAND is working hard to attract more visitors from the Middle East, following a slowdown in arrivals in early 2011. TTN visited the country to speak to industry leaders and find out what visitors from our region can expect from one of Southeast Asia’s top destinations.
Thailand is welcoming more international tourists, seeing increasing investment in luxury hotels and resorts and looking to promote a more environmentally-conscious tourism industry.
Speaking to delegates at the Thailand Travel Mart (TTM) Plus 2011 in Bangkok, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) governor Suraphon Svetasreni said the country had recovered ‘rapidly’ from the global economic downturn and total 2010 tourist arrivals were up 12.6 per cent on 2009 to almost 16 million, above expectations.
This year looks good too for a sector which contributes 10 per cent of the country’s overall GDP. TAT figures show Thailand recorded 8.2 million arrivals in the first five months, up 24.4 per cent over the same period of 2010.
“TAT expects this consistent growth to continue for the rest of 2011,” Svetasreni said. “Given that there are no further global or local crises, we should be able to reach 16.8 million international visitors who will generate around $21.3 billion in income.”
Despite the good news, arrivals to Thailand from the Middle East were less impressive, growing just 10 per cent year-on-year to 235,981 as political unrest in our region deterred travellers.
TTM Plus 2011, held from June 8 to 10 at the Impact Muang Thong Thani Exhibition Centre in Bangkok under the theme ‘Caring for the Earth’, was an opportunity for the 368 predominantly Thai seller organisations to promote the country to 335 buyers from 54 countries. But of these buyers, only three (Kanoo Travel, Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi Travel Bureau and Gray Mackenzie Travel Services, UAE) were from the Middle East.
Speaking to TTN on the show sidelines, TAT deputy governor Juthaporn Rerngronasa insisted the Middle East is an important market for Thailand, but more for medical tourism and family-based leisure than ‘green’ pursuits.
“The number of medical tourists from the Middle East is increasing. Medical treatment in Thailand is about one third the cost of similar treatment in the US or Europe. There are no waiting lists and we have excellent doctors and private hospitals. Our resorts are also ideal for post-treatment rehabilitation,” she explained.
Bangkok’s reputation as an attractive shopping destination for Middle East travellers is also being enhanced, said Rerngronasa and the Amazing Thailand Grand Sale, which started on June 15 and runs to August 15, 2011, will conveniently coincide with the peak Middle East travel season.
“Compared to Dubai, for instance, Bangkok has variety, from the Chatuchak Weekend Market to luxury malls such as Siam Paragon, CentralWorld or Emporium, selling competitively-priced brands,” she explained.
The TAT is also, Rerngronasa noted, striving to promote Thailand as a family-friendly destination.
A land full of entertainment options, Unesco World Heritage sites, natural wonders, award-winning spas and friendly people, Thailand is undoubtedly an increasingly top-drawer destination.
By day, no first-time visitor to Bangkok should miss the Grand Palace, which offers a gold-plated insight into the splendour of Thai royalty. From nearby, a canal tour through the city’s narrow waterways, past stilted houses and hidden temples away from traffic noise is another Bangkok classic.
By evening, the self-styled ‘must see’ Siam Niramit (Journey to the Enchanted Kingdom of Siam) (pictured) show is a dramatic showcase of Thai arts and culture for all ages.
Middle East visitors with large families in tow will appreciate that many of Bangkok’s top attractions are located close to one another or at least easily accessible via the city’s excellent Skytrain.
Southeast Asia’s largest aquarium, for example, is conveniently located in the Siam Paragon, a large shopping and entertainment mall. Helpfully, the aquarium also has information leaflets in Arabic.
Next door in the Siam Discovery Centre, Madame Tussauds Bangkok waxworks opened in January 2011, so is ideal for repeat visitors to the city looking for something new.
After the strains of sightseeing, the two-hour Classic Thai Massage at the award-winning RarinJinda Wellness Spa Bangkok is a perfect tonic.
In keeping with the country’s efforts to promote itself as a ‘green’ destination, the TAT was also keen to showcase one of the most easily accessible national parks from Bangkok.
Khao Yai National Park, 190km northeast of the capital, is a Unesco World Heritage Site crammed with soaring mountains, gushing waterfalls, lush forests and teeming wildlife, a world away from a dusty Gulf summer.
While there are myriad accommodation options in the area, families could do much worse than stay at The Greenery Resort, a 256-room, four star property just 2.5 km from the park entrance which also has wide ranging activities.
The resort’s 50-acre Life Park claims to be Thailand’s newest and most exciting adventure park, with more than 30 games and activities, including the white-knuckle reverse bungee, hot air balloons, go-karts and 10 pin bowling.
With a multitude of new entertainment options, timeless cultural and artistic attractions and beautiful nature, ever-improving transport links and infrastructure, Thailand’s star among Middle East visitors is set to rise further.