Thailand Ranked "best Value For Money"

[ThaiEye]

LONDON — Thailand has again emerged as the world’s best “brand” in terms of value for money, according to the 2008 Country Brand Index (CBI), the third consecutive year it has won this accolade.

Thailand’s ranking as the “Best Country Brand for Value for Money” was announced on 11 November, 2008, at the World Travel Market, the premier annual exhibition of the global travel trade. The same Brand Index also ranked Thailand third in the category of “Friendly Locals and Authenticity”.

The Brand Index hailed the Kingdom thus: “Famous for its authentic culture, spectacular beaches and noteworthy nightlife, Thailand is also one of the most affordable destinations in the world.”

CBI, now in its fourth year, is a comprehensive study of approximately 2,700 international business and leisure travellers from nine countries conducted by FutureBrand, a leading global brand consultancy, in conjunction with public relations firm Weber Shandwick’s Global Travel and Lifestyle Practice.

This year’s index includes rankings and trends as well as travel motivations, challenges and opportunities within the worlds of travel, tourism and country branding.

Thailand is listed in the top 10 in seven categories, namely:

• 1st in the “Best Country Brand for Value for Money” — Offering the most in return for the price you pay
  
• 3rd in the “Best Country Brand for Friendly Locals” — Welcoming citizens who make visitors feel comfortable
  
• 3rd in the “Best Country Brand for Authenticity” — Delivering distinctive, genuine and unique culture and experiences
  
• 4th in the “Best Country Brand for Nightlife” — Noteworthy bar, nightclub and late-night scene
  
• 4th in the “Best Country Brand for Shopping” — Accessible, diverse and abundant retail choices
  
• 10th in the “Best Country Brand to Extend a Business Trip” — Where travellers want to extend business travel into a personal vacation
  
• 10th in the “Best Country Brand for Desire to Visit / Visit Again” — The country travelers would most like to visit or return to
  

Tourism Authority of Thailand Governor Mrs Phornsiri Manoharn commented, “In today’s difficult economic times, to be considered the best value-for-money destination is perhaps the best brand image Thailand could enjoy. “It will certainly go a long way towards helping Thailand remain a first-choice destination in terms of future travel for holiday and meetings/incentives.”

In addition, TAT also received the “Best Stand Feature” award at the WTM 2008 for its impressive reception area and its breathtaking floral display. Judges also liked the grand signage and praised its excellent use of graphics. The overall effect was to show Thailand in all its glory as a truly amazing holiday destination.

International visitor arrivals to Thailand during January-July 2008 (classified by nationality) totaled 9.14 million, up 12.65% over the same period of 2007. In 2008, TAT is projecting 15.48 million international visitors arrivals, up 7% over the projection for 2007, with tourism revenue projected at 600 billion Baht.

The UK is the top performing source market from Europe. In January - July 2008, UK visitors arrival to Thailand (by nationality) totalled 497,620 up 1.27% over the same period of 2007. UK visitor arrivals are projected at 907,000 in 2008, and may well cross the one million mark in a few years.

Contact information:

International Public Relation Division

Tourism Authority of Thailand

Tel: +66 (0) 2250 5500 ext. 4545-48

Fax: +66 (0) 2253 7419

E-mail: [email protected]

Web site: www.tatnews.org

[samiinjapan]

<LI>1st in the “Best Country SEX for Money” — Offering the most in return for the price you pay

[londonthai]

CBI, now in its fourth year, is a comprehensive study of approximately 2,700 international business and leisure travellers from nine countries conducted by FutureBrand, a leading global brand consultancy, in conjunction with public relations firm Weber Shandwick’s Global Travel and Lifestyle Practice.

the survey was released by TAT after more than a month since being published - looks like this survey is small and insignificant and probably tendentional, but was used by the officials in lack of any other more credible materials.

[think_too_mut]

CBI, now in its fourth year, is a comprehensive study of approximately 2,700 international business and leisure travellers from nine countries conducted by FutureBrand, a leading global brand consultancy, in conjunction with public relations firm Weber Shandwick’s Global Travel and Lifestyle Practice.

the survey was released by TAT after more than a month since being published - looks like this survey is small and insignificant and probably tendentional, but was used by the officials in lack of any other more credible materials.

More like they (TAT) released it when the time was "right" or just better. Understandable.

[londonthai]

no, for the PR the survey should be published immediately it was announced over a month ago. Now it looks like they are trying to repair their weakend reputation after something bad happened. Many will think they covering own a.s from criticism

[h90]

4th in the “Best Country Brand for Nightlife” — Noteworthy bar, nightclub and late-night scene

tells it all when everything closes at 2am and Thailand is still the 4th best.

[taxexile]

Well , it seems as if that report had been spun a little bit before being released by the self congratulatory folk at TAT.

PRESS RELEASE<H1 class=storytitle id=StoryContent_TopPageNavigation_Headline>Australia Ranks #1 as World's Top Country Brand for Third Consecutive Year, Global Study Reveals</H1>

Last update: 7:01 p.m. EST Nov. 9, 2008LONDON, Nov 09, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Africa, Asia and Middle East Experiencing High Growth for Travel & Tourism Demand, While Specialized Travel Increases with Growth in Women-Only Tours, Multi-generational and Religious Tourism Australia earns the coveted spot as the world's top country brand for the third consecutive year, according to the 2008 Country Brand Index (CBI) which will be officially released Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2008 at London's World Travel Market, the premier annual exhibition of the global travel trade. Rising from its sixth place ranking last year, Canada is recognized second and the United States rounds out the top three country brands in the 2008 study. Other countries making the top 10 include Italy, Switzerland and France. The CBI examines how countries are branded and ranked according to key criteria, and identifies emerging global trends in the world's fastest growing economic sector - travel and tourism, which accounts for US$5.9 trillion of economic activity worldwide this year and more than 238 million jobs. 2008 CBI Top Country Brands 1. Australia 6. France 2. Canada 7. New Zealand 3. United States 8. United Kingdom 4. Italy 9. Japan 5. Switzerland 10. SwedenCBI, now in its fourth year, is a comprehensive study of approximately 2,700 international business and leisure travelers from nine countries conducted by FutureBrand, a leading global brand consultancy, in conjunction with public relations firm Weber Shandwick's Global Travel & Lifestyle Practice. This year's index includes rankings and trends as well as travel motivations, challenges and opportunities within the worlds of travel, tourism and country branding (visit http://www.countrybrandindex.com for complete results). Rising Stars The CBI also identified China, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Croatia, respectively, as the top three "rising stars" - those likely to become major tourist destinations in the next five years. Also making the list this year are Vietnam, India and Cuba. In addition, this year's CBI includes an in-depth report of how China fares post-Beijing Olympics. "In this our fourth year, it is exciting to see many countries embracing the idea of brand. However, we still feel this is a largely underdeveloped category with most countries continuing to promote and market themselves in ways that are not differentiated. Particularly in the coming years, country brands must improve both their strategic orientation as well as their delivery," said Rina Plapler, senior executive director, FutureBrand. This year's CBI touches on a variety of topics relevant to travelers and tourism professionals including: intergenerational travel (represented by countries such as the U.S., Canada and Japan), medical tourism, mainstream luxury (represented by countries like Japan and Spain), 'stay'cations and a rise in the off-the-beaten-track trips. Other notable trends this year focus on niche travel opportunities and the changing destination landscape. "With the current state of the world -- economic turmoil, political unrest and global warming -- it's always fascinating to see which countries come out on top in branding themselves, generating global recognition and fueling the travel and tourism industry," said Rene A. Mack, president, Weber Shandwick's Travel & Lifestyle Global Practice. The following are key highlights from this year's Country Brand Index including six new brand categories denoted with an asterisk. The top five countries are listed in rank order for each category: 2008 Country Brand Index Ranking Highlights Best Country Brand United States, Germany, United Kingdom, France, Ideal for Business Italy Best Country Brand to Extend a Business Trip Australia, New Zealand, Scotland, Japan, Ireland Best Country Brand for Art & Culture Italy, France, Egypt, Japan, Greece Best Country Brand for Authenticity New Zealand, Japan, Thailand, India, Egypt Best Country Brand for Maldives, Tahiti, Bahamas, Dominican Republic, Beach Australia Best Country Brand for Families Canada, Spain, Denmark, Australia, New Zealand Best Country Brand for History Egypt, Italy, France, Greece, Israel Best Country Brand for Resort & Lodging Australia, Switzerland Options United Arab Emirates, United States, Maldives, Best Country Brand for New Zealand, Maldives, Switzerland, Norway, Natural Beauty Australia Best Country Brand for Nightlife Japan, Brazil, Spain, Thailand, United States Best Country Brand for Fine Dining Italy, France, Japan, Singapore, Switzerland Best Country Brand for Outdoor Activities & Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Belize, Sports Switzerland Best Country Brand for Rest & Relaxation Maldives, Tahiti, New Zealand, Fiji, Bahamas Best Country Brand for Norway, Switzerland, New Zealand, Sweden, Safety Denmark Best Country Brand for United States, United Arab Emirates, Singapore, Shopping Thailand, Japan Best Country Brand for Value for Money Thailand, India, Mexico, Czech Republic, Poland Best Country Brand You Would Most Like to Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Switzerland, Live In Scotland *Best Country Brand for Ease of Travel Netherlands, Spain, Canada, Switzerland, Germany *Best Country Brand for Standard of Living Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Australia, Switzerland *Best Country Brand for Netherlands, New Zealand, Sweden, Denmark, Political Freedom Norway *Best Country Brand for Japan, United States, United Kingdom, Sweden, Advanced Technology Germany *Best Country Brand for Quality Products Japan, United States, Germany, France, Italy *Best Country Brand for Most Impressive Last China, United Arab Emirates, Australia, New Year Zealand, Japan

sorry , i lost all the formatting when i cut and pasted the article. its almost impossible to read like this.

find it here

Edited December 12, 2008 by taxexile

[ThaiEye]

Isn't it ironic that those who make condescending remarks about something that Thailand has internationally achieved, are those who either live in Thailand or regularly come on vacation.

Give the TAT a break, promotion like this is done by every tourist board around the world. Can't foreigners like this give Thailand the thumbs up for a change, intsead of running the country down at every opportunity.

[londonthai]

Thailand is listed in the top 10 in seven categories, namely:

[*]1st in the “Best Country Brand for Value for Money” — Offering the most in return for the price you pay

[*]3rd in the “Best Country Brand for Friendly Locals” — Welcoming citizens who make visitors feel comfortable

[*]3rd in the “Best Country Brand for Authenticity” — Delivering distinctive, genuine and unique culture and experiences

[*]4th in the “Best Country Brand for Nightlife” — Noteworthy bar, nightclub and late-night scene

[*]4th in the “Best Country Brand for Shopping” — Accessible, diverse and abundant retail choices

[*]10th in the “Best Country Brand to Extend a Business Trip” — Where travellers want to extend business travel into a personal vacation

[*]10th in the “Best Country Brand for Desire to Visit / Visit Again” — The country travelers would most like to visit or return to

those are not qualities for which TAT is responsible in any way.

I do not need TAT to travel to thailand and have a nice experience there.

If they really were part of this achievement of thailand they would publish it immediately after the survey was made public

[ClaytonSeymour]

Isn't it ironic that those who make condescending remarks about something that Thailand has internationally achieved, are those who either live in Thailand or regularly come on vacation.

Give the TAT a break, promotion like this is done by every tourist board around the world. Can't foreigners like this give Thailand the thumbs up for a change, intsead of running the country down at every opportunity.

Currently, I don't see good reason to give Thailand the thumbs up, actually quite the opposite. I flew in from Hong Kong last night, the eerie, unlit BKK skyline from the hotel room was a stark contrast to the spectacular neon show in HKG, as I told the wife, it somewhat resembles a city closed for business. I also took the opportunity to remind her that I was only here for her trip home, otherwise I'd have gone some place else instead.

TAT can claim whatever they like - the facts are a little different. I'll start giving Thailand the thumbs up again if & when it deserves it.

[dumball]

Isn't it ironic that those who make condescending remarks about something that Thailand has internationally achieved, are those who either live in Thailand or regularly come on vacation.

Give the TAT a break, promotion like this is done by every tourist board around the world. Can't foreigners like this give Thailand the thumbs up for a change, intsead of running the country down at every opportunity.

Is that right ? Think of it this way , when the people who live in a country and those that vacation in it on a regular basis make condescending remarks about a report on that country , whom would you honestly think are closer to the truth of the matter ?

As a prospective tourist , whose remarks would carry the most clout as to whether you visit or not ? Why should the people who know the conditions first hand lie about it ?

Being hypocritical behoves no one . Read the report from a man who coersed a family into visiting 'Beautifuul Pataya ' , guess who's probably not talking to who these days , but yacking their a_ss-ends off to many others ?

[torrenova]

Surveys and organisations need credibility or the data they spew out is meaningless. This organisation has no credibility. QED the data is meaningless.

[misterman21]

Survey doesn't mention the fact that Thailand was recently noted as the 7th most dangerous destination on the planet

[geriatrickid]

Isn't it ironic that those who make condescending remarks about something that Thailand has internationally achieved, are those who either live in Thailand or regularly come on vacation.

Give the TAT a break, promotion like this is done by every tourist board around the world. Can't foreigners like this give Thailand the thumbs up for a change, intsead of running the country down at every opportunity.

No I will not give TaT a break. This is one of those "surveys" that is intended for advertising and promtional use. Look at the categories and headings. Almost every country that promotes tourism via this trade show is mentioned. It seems the only categories not mentioned are best places for war criminals to hide and best places to find mass starvation & epidemics. This is no different than those paid advertising inserts into the paper that promote the next best condo development over the reclaimed city waste dump. It's great that TaT is sticking to its 2008 projections. I guess the festival at BKK won't make a dent in the November-December numbers.

Yea right.