Tourism in Thailand is booming. This year, 33,87 million tourists are expected to visit Thailand, which is 13,35 percent more than last year. The increase is mainly due to the growth in the number of Chinese tourists, but there are nevertheless concerns.
The sector cites the uncertain economic situation in the country, the fierce competition, the concentration of tourists in only a few regions and the decrease in spending per tourist.
This is evident from a survey by the Tourism Council of Thailand, Tourism Authority of Thailand and Chulalongkorn University among 600 companies, 350 foreign and 350 Thai tourists in the second quarter. Compared to the first quarter there was a little more confidence, but people are gloomy about the low season in the third quarter.
The survey also showed that foreign tourists are less enthusiastic about visiting Thailand, mainly because of poor transportation. The Thai tour operators and Thai tourists feel the same way. Foreign tourists want lower rates, more domestic flights, better local transport, more alternatives such as water transport, better quality destinations and better service. Hong Kong, Laos and Malaysia are mentioned as main competitors for Thailand.
Many tourists visit Thailand more than once. They are pleased with the tourist attractions, culture, religion, food and because they get relatively much value for their money.
Thai tourists attach great importance to good hygiene, optimal service and comfortable transport. Thais who go abroad prefer South Korea and Laos.
Source: Bangkok Post
The decrease in spending per tourist can be attributed entirely to Chinese group tourists.
These come with organized tours, stay in bargain hotels, eat in groups in bargain restaurants, travel on buses for next to nothing, and spend next to nothing in the local economy.
The man and woman on the street have absolutely no use for the hordes of Chinese.
The money left over for the Thai economy ends up in the pockets of a few.
I do wonder how the increase in the number of tourists is in line with the often heard complaints from the local economy…..
There is no decrease in spending per tourist. The number of tourists has increased by 13.35%, and spending by considerably more: 17.85%, which is a whopping 30% higher increase: Based on the survey, the number of visitors to Thailand should reach 33.87 million this year, up 13.35% on last year, and revenue from foreign tourists is estimated at 1.71 trillion baht, up by 17.83%.(source: TCT). The explanation for this is that group-specific figures show that Chinese tourists spend about 15% more per day than Western tourists.
I think a reason that (Western) tourists are less positive about their stay in Thailand is more because it is being crushed by mass tourism in most parts of the country, mainly by the always pleasant population from the BRIC countries. I think this is a bigger problem for Europeans, North Americans and Aussie's than transportation etc
Thailand is currently focusing more and more on Chinese tourists, at least in Chiang Mai. A few years ago, for example, you saw large signs at restaurants in Thai and English, now that has become Thai and Chinese.
In the shopping malls in and around Chiang Mai you see the Chinese flocking with full buses, but I see very few who actually buy something and contribute to the economy here. Most are 'window' shoppers and walk around with a bottle of water in hand that they bought for 7 baht at the 7/11.
I personally resent the Chinese tourist because they are very loud and show little or no respect. I stay in a condo and no Chinese are allowed here because they want to keep it quiet.
Very true Peter. The expenditure percentage is probably distorted because not all expenditure by 'Western tourists' is included, such as expenditure in restaurants and especially in bars, so to speak, in the Thai catering industry. The image of the Chinese mass tourists is called 'Keeniau'. Which Western tourist still wants to visit tourist attractions where they are always confronted with massive groups of Chinese? If you want to avoid that, you can do so at the bars. So back to square one. Are these expenditures included in the expenditure of 'Western Tourists'?
Naturally, consumer spending is also included in the average tourist spending. There are models and standards used worldwide for this. That consumption even makes up a significant part of the tourists' budget. Something like the amount spent on ladies and gentlemen in eroticism is also included in the estimates. The numbers indicate a difference far greater than any statistical margin of error: The average Chinese tourist spends 6,400 baht (US$180) per day—more than the average visitor's 5,690 baht (US$160). (TCT). Because their visible behavior to Western tourists is different, Westerners are soon tempted to reinforce their (pre)judgments towards Chinese tourists with negative economic qualifications. The Thai like to grumble at their big brother, but they earn a good amount of money. And yes, more than us.