Discovering The Treasures
of a Kingdom
Tourism
in Thailand can be said to have been given serious official support in
1987 when a promotional campaign was launched as part of the celebrations
to celebrate His Majesty The King's 60th birthday , his 5th cycle. Arrivals
in that year totalled some 1.2 million. Thai number has sinceincreased
annually by an average of 10 percent. In 1994 a figure of 6,166,496 was
reported. The estimate for 1996. Although these impressive figures show
a progressive and encouraging trend, in themselves they can only reflect
the increasing popularity of the country as one of the world's leading
tourist destinations.
[Grand
Royal Palace]
Today tourism is without doubt one of Thailand's
major industries, employing over 1.5 million people and earning, in 1994,
149.9 billion baht. The overwhelming majority of today's visitors are still
vacationers with an overall average length of stay of 7 days, but covention
attendees are increasing fast and now represent almost 23 percent of the
total arrivals. Recognition of this important sector is reflected in the
continuing development of the convention and exhibition industry with such
ventures as the govenment backed Queen Sirikit National Convertion Center
gaining worldwide acceptance and establishing Thailand as a convention
and conference venue par excellence.
With the continued support of the
Tourism Authority of Thailand, backed by its extensive local and international
network of offices, Thailand is now poised to embark on a new era in the
country's tourism industry. Today's visitors can relax in some of the finest
hotels and resorts in the world and still enjoy the magnificent diversity
of attractions for which Thailand is justly renowned.
And it is perhaps this very diversity of an
ancient kingdom, still rich in fascinatng traditions and embued with the
strength of an enduring culture and independent spirit of its people, that
will continue to lure new visitors and welcome back those who have previously
savoured its many delights.
"What
would you like to Know?
A
Brief Geographical Roundup
Thailand
- A Brief History
A
Dynamic Economy
Thai
People,The Language,Climate,Clothes,Staying Healthy
Getting
Around Bangkok
Year-Round
Festivals
Eating In
and Eating Out
