Pattaya Whats The Attraction ?

[beechguy]

Over the first quarter of 2009 tourist arrivals to the South East Asian island nation rose by a staggering 51 percent to 1.3 million people compared to 858,244 during the same period last year, according to the Philippines Department of Tourism (PDoT).

"According to the Philippines Department of Tourism". Snicker, snicker.

If they keep that pace, that would put them at 5.2 million for 2009? Isn't Thailand expected to do 11 million in a bad year? Anyway, a nice increase, but not sure people are runnuing over each other to get there.

Edited July 30, 2009 by beechguy

[Bakeman]

Now this is my third post regarding the delights ,or not of Pattaya ,boys you got the other two closed down ,dont do it.

so what do you find good or bad about Pattaya ,discuss it like big boys

my take on a lot of it is "Its life Jim ,but not as we know it" as far as ime concerned substitute" they " for "we" in my case.

Very broad question but in one short answer what is not to like it has everything, shopping, jetskis, night life, great food and as stated earlier whats not to like!

[Ulysses G.]

Over the first quarter of 2009 tourist arrivals to the South East Asian island nation rose by a staggering 51 percent to 1.3 million people compared to 858,244 during the same period last year, according to the Philippines Department of Tourism (PDoT).

"According to the Philippines Department of Tourism". Snicker, snicker.

If they keep that pace, that would put them at 5.2 million for 2009? Isn't Thailand expected to do 11 million in a bad year? Anyway, a nice increase, but not sure people are runnuing over each other to get there.

Complain if you want, but, Thailand is much cheaper, safer and better than PI in every way. I can't imagine anything that they could be doing there that is "better" than they are doing in Thailand.

[NanLaew]

^ Agreed. So in your case thaimate, the lack of zoning laws is a PLUS.

^^ No, no JR, we have your statement on record and it's much appreciated. It was rgs2001uk's two long-winded posts on just about everything EXCEPT what he finds attractive about Pattaya that I was seeking to address.

(As well as secretly hoping to get a bump to my thread)

Sorry ,cant remember ever commenting on zoning laws!!

I was referring to your statement "I dont think that there are any "decisions" being made regarding development in Pattaya" which I broadly interpreted as an acknowledgment that no formal 'planning' exists per se in Pattaya. When coupled with your general upbeat opinion of the place and the personal freedoms that abound, I assumed that this was a contributing factor. Sorry of I am skinning the cat the wrong way here.

[tropo]

Just wanted to post this for all the folks that keep insisting the Philippines doesn't have tourists and is a bad place (looks like Malaysia, Bali and the Philippines are doing much better than Thailand.......why?):

from this link: http://www.propertyarticles.com/overseas/20090429377.html

Philippines tourism bucks downturn

Wednesday, 29 April 2009 11:37 Overseas

Despite the downturn tourists have flocked to the Philippines in greater numbers this year, boosting the country’s burgeoning resort sector.

Over the first quarter of 2009 tourist arrivals to the South East Asian island nation rose by a staggering 51 percent to 1.3 million people compared to 858,244 during the same period last year, according to the Philippines Department of Tourism (PDoT).

Growing demand has led to a shortage of the best accommodation, increasing occupancy rates and resort yields. Commenting on the PDoT’s figures, the director of the Hotel and Restaurant Association of the Philippines, Rene C. Baltasar, has been reported to have said the country was getting up-market tourists but there was a lack of rooms compared to its regional rivals.

John Scott, from hotel investment specialist Asset Property Brokers, said: “Philippines tourism is doing extremely well thanks to a combination of attractive locations, culture and climate, and value that undercuts rivals.

“This together with a restricted supply of high-quality accommodation ensures high occupancy rates and yields for well managed resorts with the right facilities and location.”

Cebu was the most popular destination accounting for 32 percent of tourists, the PDoT reported.[/b]

Mr JR, you have been very deceitful. You have presented an article written by property developers (author unknown) on a real estate website....and you expect us to believe it?

You're the one always accusing various Pattaya supporters of having real estate interests, and now you've pulled off the biggest deception of the entire thread.

Let's have a look at what you conveniently chose to leave out of the article from www.propertyarticles.com. I have marked the part you left out in blue:

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Philippines tourism bucks downturn

Wednesday, 29 April 2009 11:37 Overseas.

Despite the downturn tourists have flocked to the Philippines in greater numbers this year, boosting the country’s burgeoning resort sector.

Over the first quarter of 2009 tourist arrivals to the South East Asian island nation rose by a staggering 51 percent to 1.3 million people compared to 858,244 during the same period last year, according to the Philippines Department of Tourism (PDoT).

Growing demand has led to a shortage of the best accommodation, increasing occupancy rates and resort yields. Commenting on the PDoT’s figures, the director of the Hotel and Restaurant Association of the Philippines, Rene C. Baltasar, has been reported to have said the country was getting up-market tourists but there was a lack of rooms compared to its regional rivals.

John Scott, from hotel investment specialist Asset Property Brokers, said: “Philippines tourism is doing extremely well thanks to a combination of attractive locations, culture and climate, and value that undercuts rivals.

“This together with a restricted supply of high-quality accommodation ensures high occupancy rates and yields for well managed resorts with the right facilities and location.”

Cebu was the most popular destination accounting for 32 percent of tourists, the PDoT reported.

Asset Property Brokers has properties available at Blue Coral Resort and Spa, Mactan Island, within 30 minutes of Cebu airport, the country’s second busiest airport. Among many attractions the island boasts reef diving, golf and powder white sand beaches.

Developing the Blue Coral Resort and Spa is Paradisya Land, one of the Philippines’ leading developers. The firm has a highly successful track record in creating major new tourist destinations.

The resort, managed by Continent Hotel and Resorts, has secured a major five-year booking with top South East Asian tour operator, Oriental Spirit Travel & Tours Corp, a subsidiary of Hyundai and Samsung.

Blue Coral Resort offers a guaranteed 80 percent occupancy level, on a rolling five year contract, providing returns of 14.4 percent to 20.9 percent, depending on the property type. Guaranteed 60 percent non-status developer finance is available.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

They have stated that Cebu is the most popular destination in the Philippines and they just happen to have a major property development in Cebu up for sale.

Shame on you!

Here are some interesting counter facts from "WTTC Tourism Economic Research 2009 - Philippines" (ref: http://www.tourismroi.com/InteriorTemplate.aspx?id=27022)

This was written at the end of the first quarter, the quarter that your real estate blurb indicated had risen by a "staggering 51 percent".

"Employment

The contribution of the Travel & Tourism economy to employment is expected to fall to 3,563,000 jobs in 2009

Growth

Real GDP growth for Travel & Tourism economy is expected to be -2.6% in 2009 and to average 5.1% per annum over the coming 10 years".

[LennyW]

Well researched Tropo. Edited July 31, 2009 by LennyW

[Ulysses G.]

I knew that article was B.S.!

[JR Texas]

I knew that article was B.S.!

Whew........sorry about posting something that was not "true."

Deception? I gave you the frekin' link! Had I not done that it would have been a case of deception.

And, even thought it was a property-type site, the info. did say from the Philippines Dept. of Tourism.....so, I thought it might be correct. But was not sure and am still not sure.

Did anyone bother to find out if the Philippines Dept. of Tourism posted deceptive information?

If they gave out deceptive information, the one being deceptive wasn't me.

It is possible that info. being given out by the govt. is deceptive........same as in Thailand.

[britmaveric]

^Well I am sure Flipper Tourism Ministry is just like every other country - inflates the numbers. But yes kudos to Tropo for catching the yank telling porkies!!!

[tropo]

I knew that article was B.S.!

Whew........sorry about posting something that was not "true."

Deception? I gave you the frekin' link! Had I not done that it would have been a case of deception.

And, even thought it was a property-type site, the info. did say from the Philippines Dept. of Tourism.....so, I thought it might be correct. But was not sure and am still not sure.

Did anyone bother to find out if the Philippines Dept. of Tourism posted deceptive information?

If they gave out deceptive information, the one being deceptive wasn't me.

It is possible that info. being given out by the govt. is deceptive........same as in Thailand.

I haven't found any information directly from the Philippines Department of Tourism. If I do I will post it and if it shows tourism has risen by a whopping 51% I'll be the first to apologize.

[NanLaew]

And I was beginning to buy into JR's assertion that Pattaya's woes were ALL due to this phenomena called social engineering as well.

Now I truly don't know who or what to believe.

[doodee]

well, we all deal with the pain our own way (he-he) call me juvenile (and you would be correct) but i just insult them right back

and if that doesn't shut them up i'll go back every day for a week and do the same thing. works for me, they usually leave me

alone. much like the tailor sales men. if they start moving towards me, i straight-arm them and they get a facefull of hand (he-he)

but you're absolutely correct. if you stay here, you find yourself getting much harsher to survive. and it's not all good is it?

it's like animals surveying each other on the african plain. constantly looking for weaknesses. and who wants to live that way?

I say no thank you to the indian taylors and tell the girl you ARE happy but lost all your money in stocks and shares.If thats the only problem we have in Pattaya i say good for us.Maybe you are right and you get more ruder,the more years you live here,but i am very happy and been here 7 years and still love the place.Still good to here other views as i am a newbie on thaivisa.

[JR Texas]

I knew that article was B.S.!

Whew........sorry about posting something that was not "true."

Deception? I gave you the frekin' link! Had I not done that it would have been a case of deception.

And, even thought it was a property-type site, the info. did say from the Philippines Dept. of Tourism.....so, I thought it might be correct. But was not sure and am still not sure.

Did anyone bother to find out if the Philippines Dept. of Tourism posted deceptive information?

If they gave out deceptive information, the one being deceptive wasn't me.

It is possible that info. being given out by the govt. is deceptive........same as in Thailand.

I haven't found any information directly from the Philippines Department of Tourism. If I do I will post it and if it shows tourism has risen by a whopping 51% I'll be the first to apologize.

Thanks.......I hope you find something........also, Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia, China, Singapore, Indonesia (Bali)..........it would be interesting to know, with some sense of certainty, how Thailand's tourism is doing in comparison to these countries.

My guess is that all are down (except Malaysia)......to what extend I don't know and most of you don't know, so stop acting like you do know. At least I am trying to get some data on it.........the UN material I think was pretty solid indicating Malaysia is doing fine.

Trusting the data from the Philippines Department of Tourism is another matter.

And for NanLaew who seems to think social engineering is not taking place in Thailand......you actually did not mean to write that, right?

I really am due back on planet earth.

[tropo]

Thanks.......I hope you find something........also, Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia, China, Singapore, Indonesia (Bali)..........it would be interesting to know, with some sense of certainty, how Thailand's tourism is doing in comparison to these countries.

My guess is that all are down (except Malaysia)......to what extend I don't know and most of you don't know, so stop acting like you do know. At least I am trying to get some data on it.........the UN material I think was pretty solid indicating Malaysia is doing fine.

Trusting the data from the Philippines Department of Tourism is another matter.

And for NanLaew who seems to think social engineering is not taking place in Thailand......you actually did not mean to write that, right?

I really am due back on planet earth.

I'm not surprised about Bali tourism increasing. I doubt it has much to do with anything they are doing there.

Bali is so close to Australia that I would guess that more Australians would be going there in harsh economic times than usual because of its close proximity. It's ony a short, cheap trip for Australians. An extra bonus for Australians would be the favourable exchange rate in Indonesia. I've noticed that the Indonesian Rupiah is somewhat tied to the Australian Dollar so there hasn't been any currency fluxuations to worry Australians traveling to Bali whereas the Australian Dollar has tanked against most other currencies.

It would make sense that Australians would be chosing a holiday location closer to home in harsh economic times where their dollar goes further.

In addition most major currencies have gained against the Indonesian Rupiah or at least held steady since the economic meltdown started in October last year, thereby making the location more attractive for other nationalities.

Edited July 31, 2009 by tropo

[NanLaew]

^ Which would also apply to the Europeans staying closer to their shores (or at home) and Asian nationalities being more prevalent in Pattaya in the low season.

I reckon we are truly a collection of rocket scientists here!

[Able]

It's got good western style shopping available.

There's a huge sample of restraunts available.

Move just a little outside and it's quiet.

Many speak simple English so if you strugle with Thai this place is no issue. (If you speak English).

There is a BRILLIANT ex-pat community.

It's a beautifully easy run to and from the airport (Once you have found on a good driver).

The bars are there IF you want them.

If you approach the locals right 95%+ of the time they are great.

If you can afford a car and a bike, and are competent on/in them, you just choose what day to use either and transit is no real issue.

Sorry. Order of the above is irrelevent.

There is a mountain of na-sayers on all Thai forums so attach the odd dose of salt to many readings.

Still, I've only been here 10 years so what the hel_l do I know?

I believe the positives outflank the negatives IF we play it right.

[JR Texas]

I'm not surprised about Bali tourism increasing. I doubt it has much to do with anything they are doing there.

Bali is so close to Australia that I would guess that more Australians would be going there in harsh economic times than usual because of its close proximity. It's ony a short, cheap trip for Australians. An extra bonus for Australians would be the favourable exchange rate in Indonesia. I've noticed that the Indonesian Rupiah is somewhat tied to the Australian Dollar so there hasn't been any currency fluxuations to worry Australians traveling to Bali whereas the Australian Dollar has tanked against most other currencies.

It would make sense that Australians would be chosing a holiday location closer to home in harsh economic times where their dollar goes further.

In addition most major currencies have gained against the Indonesian Rupiah or at least held steady since the economic meltdown started in October last year, thereby making the location more attractive for other nationalities.

So, according to you, Bali is doing nothing to increase tourism.......just simply because more Australians going there. No doubt more Australians are going there because it is close (but reports are that is it also offering bargains that Thailand is not).

There are also reports saying lots of Italians are going there (no time to find them but I am sure you will.....maybe the are dated, not sure). And, of course, Italy is not close to Bali. Why choose Bali over Thailand?

And, according to you, Malaysia is doing nothing to increase tourism........just currency issues is what is attracting people.

If so, you are stating Thailand is no longer a bargain......sure you want to say that?

Is it possible Thailand is making a series of wrong moves with regard to tourism and that is why more people are choosing Bali and Malaysia over Thailand?

It would be very interesting to know the numbers........percent decline/increase in tourism over the past few years for all of these countries.

Which are growing in terms of percent increase? Which are declining in terms of percent increase?

A five year snapshot would be telling........not just one month or even one year.

I don't know where to get those numbers and don't have the time at the moment.

It is also a bit off topic but if you find them, please post the actual figures from a reputable source.

Remember, the numbers of tourists mean nothing.........you might as well compare the number of people who visit the USA to Thailand. It is the percent decline/increase over a long period of time that will be telling.

[JR Texas]

Thanks.......I hope you find something........also, Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia, China, Singapore, Indonesia (Bali)..........it would be interesting to know, with some sense of certainty, how Thailand's tourism is doing in comparison to these countries.

My guess is that all are down (except Malaysia)......to what extend I don't know and most of you don't know, so stop acting like you do know. At least I am trying to get some data on it.........the UN material I think was pretty solid indicating Malaysia is doing fine.

Trusting the data from the Philippines Department of Tourism is another matter.

And for NanLaew who seems to think social engineering is not taking place in Thailand......you actually did not mean to write that, right?

I really am due back on planet earth.

I'm not surprised about Bali tourism increasing. I doubt it has much to do with anything they are doing there.

Bali is so close to Australia that I would guess that more Australians would be going there in harsh economic times than usual because of its close proximity. It's ony a short, cheap trip for Australians. An extra bonus for Australians would be the favourable exchange rate in Indonesia. I've noticed that the Indonesian Rupiah is somewhat tied to the Australian Dollar so there hasn't been any currency fluxuations to worry Australians traveling to Bali whereas the Australian Dollar has tanked against most other currencies.

It would make sense that Australians would be chosing a holiday location closer to home in harsh economic times where their dollar goes further.

In addition most major currencies have gained against the Indonesian Rupiah or at least held steady since the economic meltdown started in October last year, thereby making the location more attractive for other nationalities.

OK........spent five minutes searching and no more time to do it........but this is interesting even though the data is old:

http://www.unwto.org/facts/eng/barometer.htm

http://www.unwto.org/facts/eng/pdf/indicators/ITA_asia.pdf *look here

What it tells me is that Cambodia and Malaysia (in particular) have been doing well in terms of annual growth of tourists for a long time........prior to currency exchange issues, Tsunami events, Swine Flu and the Global Economic Downturn.

Maybe you can see it.........wish I could find recent data. They may have it at this site.......if they don't, I don't know who does.

It looks to me, from this, that there is a significant shift from people taking vacations in Thailand to other regional destinations.

More people are choosing to visit other places. And it has been happening for a long time.

The data on Cambodia is surprising........wonder if that type of annual growth is still occurring.

[Ulysses G.]

One thing to remember about Cambodia is that it was so amazingly dangerous for such a long time, that it lost a lot of tourism just because of that. Things are much better now, so more tourists are visiting, but they are tourists who always would have gone there is they had felt more safe.

[Ohio]

Observation after going to 'Pattaya News Clippings"...

'Ladyboy Baht Bus Thieves' , 'Ladyman caught stealing Money' , 'Spurned Ladyboy Robs & Knifes Ozzie Tourist' , 'Disgruntled Contractor Bombs Pattaya Development' , 'Transexual Detained following Theft from Kuwait Tourist' , 'Two 14yo Boys arrested for Bag Snatch in Jomtien' , Suspected Drug Dealers & Users arrested by Pattaya Police' , Two Paedophiles Arrested Simultaneously in Pattaya' , Omani Policeman Drugged & Robbed by 15yo girl' , 'First Time French Tourist Attacked & Robbed on Pattaya Beach' , 'Transexual Arrested & accused of stabbing Iranian Tourist' , ' Body of Brutally murdered woman 30 - 40 dumped in Central Pattaya' ,

Personally , I can't wait to get back to Pattaya , if the price is right . But I was wondering if the continual attacks on Tourists may have anything to do with a decline in numbers (if in fact there is one ) , remembering of course that there are far , far more reports of violent & anti-social incidents from media outside of Pattaya not including 'youtube'.

A relation in Australia sent me a few costs of Vacation trips to Thailand , Malaysia , & a couple of others , I had already been on one to Malaysia that was a bargain a few weeks ago & for the same price of a 10 day package to Thailand he can get 14 days in Bali & 16 days in Malaysia (in Langkwai , Penang & KL in one package).

Notice the Oz $ is 28+ baht , even at its peak it was only 32 I think.

Personally , I think if you shop around there are some bargains while it is 'off season' in most places , but the so-called 'free' nights in Thailand seem to be already built - in. Dunno ??

Looking to buy a condo next year tossing up now between Patts & Penang , but still a long way off . Worry about it then

IMO Tourist stats from Asian & other countries are Totally Un reliable , they all have an agenda . Easiest way is , check how many people on your plane In & Out & while at the Passport Control see how many heads there are . Then you will have a fair idea.

[NanLaew]

It's got good western style shopping available.

There's a huge sample of restraunts available.

Move just a little outside and it's quiet.

Many speak simple English so if you strugle with Thai this place is no issue. (If you speak English).

There is a BRILLIANT ex-pat community.

It's a beautifully easy run to and from the airport (Once you have found on a good driver).

The bars are there IF you want them.

If you approach the locals right 95%+ of the time they are great.

If you can afford a car and a bike, and are competent on/in them, you just choose what day to use either and transit is no real issue.

Sorry. Order of the above is irrelevent.

There is a mountain of na-sayers on all Thai forums so attach the odd dose of salt to many readings.

Still, I've only been here 10 years so what the hel_l do I know?

I believe the positives outflank the negatives IF we play it right.

Welcome Able and 10 years is a pretty good chunk of time to have spent anywhere so very happy that you are still a member of the much derided Pattaya Glee Club.

"There is a BRILLIANT ex-pat community" stands out in your list. I think we can all take a bow for being part or that class act.

To the nay-sayers.... "How d'ya like THEM apples?"

[NanLaew]

There are also reports saying lots of Italians are going there (no time to find them but I am sure you will.....maybe the are dated, not sure). And, of course, Italy is not close to Bali. Why choose Bali over Thailand?

There's always the chance of the travelers misinformed observation that becomes fact. For example, you happen to notice a group of Italians in your passport line on arrival at the airport. Two days later decide to have spaghetti at a certain restaurant on the hill road towards Jomtien. You see the same Italians there. To you, it's a coincidence. To the typical freelance travel hack writer, it's a "surge of Italians visiting Pattaya" which sells column inches while painting the wrong picture.

For example, if you look at the Telegraph or pretty much any online newspaper, their travel sections right now have articles on 'last minute summer bargains'. So all of a sudden, Maldives becomes a hot spot... but only for a couple of weeks as that article serves it's purpose and gets those last seats on that 'special offer' sold. Sure enough, there's a minor blip on the Maldives tourist radar and they happily wonder where these 12 free-spending Mancunians came from. But in the global scheme of stats and numbers, it was a total non-event.

The data on Cambodia is surprising........wonder if that type of annual growth is still occurring.

Good point. But just as you had concerns about the veracity of claims allegedly made by the Philippine tourist organisations, I recall there was a post during the piss-weak high season that pointed out that TAT's published figures on lots of tourists was probably based on their flawed head counting which was based on the hotel registration cards that foreigners fill in. A couple visiting Bangkok, Pattaya and Phuket and staying at 4 hotels along the way suddenly became 8 people.

How good is the fledgling Cambodian tourist organisation at doing an accurate head count?

One thing to remember about Cambodia is that it was so amazingly dangerous for such a long time, that it lost a lot of tourism just because of that. Things are much better now, so more tourists are visiting, but they are tourists who always would have gone there is they had felt more safe.

I wonder if the aforementioned fledgling Cambodian tourist organisation is seeing a surge of visitors that coincides with the latest Thai visa-runner trap. OK, there's a few have given up the ghost on Thailand and made a 'permanent' move there but for every one of those, I reckon there may be 10 others that are biting the bullet and visiting more frequently... until they exhaust their options. Each one of those officially entered and left Cambodia so they MUST be a tourist no?

Edited August 1, 2009 by NanLaew

[JR Texas]

Most of the posted data came from the United Nations.......about as solid as it gets.

But the comment on Italians in Bali came from the Italian ambassador and I have no idea why he would lie about it:

http://balita.ph/2009/06/04/about-70000-it...isit-indonesia/

JAKARTA, June 4 — About 700,000 Italian tourists travel to Indonesia every year to visit tourist objects in the country such as those in Bali and Bunaken, the Italian ambassador said.

"The number of Italian tourists arriving in Indonesia every year reaches 70 thousand people. They generally arrive in the tourist resort island of Bali," Italian Ambassador Roberto Palmieri said on the sidelines of the Italian anniversary here Tuesday night.

The ambassador said that the tourism objects inf Bali were well known in Bali. There were many other interesting tourist objects in Indonesia but not many Italian tourists visited them.

[NanLaew]

^ Did you spot the 'typo' in the posted article yet?

As I said, hack journalism...

Edited August 1, 2009 by NanLaew

[loong]

NanLaow.. Of course tourist figures are never going to be totally accurate. As you rightly point out visa runners will artificially bolster the numbers.

Somebody goes to Laos for a visa and that adds 1 to the tourist numbers in Laos. When they return to Thailand with their new visa, add 1 to the Thai tourist numbers.

This year I decided not to renew the extension on my permission to stay as at the time I needed to transfer the money to top my account up to more than 800K I would only have got 47 Baht for my British pounds. Also will be going back to the Uk for a visit soon, so will get a new non O and new passport.

So instead of getting the extension I went to Laos to get a double entry tourist visa. I've since entered and exited Laos to activate the 2nd entry.

This means that this year, although I live here I have entered Laos twice and Thailand twice, adding to the tourist figures for both countries. When I go to the UK and fly back with my new non O, I will enter Thailand again and will be counted as a tourist 3 times this year.

Before I turned 50, I used to get a new year multi-entry every year and so would exit and enter Thailand 4 times a year, so I would have been counted 4 times in the country that I went to and in Thailand when I returned.

Edited August 1, 2009 by loong

[NanLaew]

Here's some Bali statistics from another page on the same website that JR posted. At least they have proof-read their submission!

http://balita.ph/2009/07/09/french-tourist...als-in-bali-up/

DENPASAR, Bali, July 9 — The number of French tourist arrivals in Bali went up 36.12 percent to 37.256 from January to May 2009, from 27,370 in the same period a year earlier. "Especially for May 2009, the number of tourists from France was recorded at 11,147 people, down 8.49 percent from that in May last year," Ida Komang Wisnu, head of the Bali provincial central bureau of statistics (BPS) said here on Thursday.

Most of the French tourists arrived through the Ngurah Rai international airport, and only ten of them used cruiser to enter the island, he said. "The French tourists accounted for 4.28 percent of the total foreign tourists (870,029) visited Bali in the first five months of 2009," he said.

In 2008, Bali received a total of 792,657 foreign tourists, he said.

France was on the seventh rank in the list of the ten top countries contributing to the Bali`s dollar earnings.

The largest number of foreign tourists visiting Bali are from Australia (137,018 people), Japan (132,122), China (85,828), Malaysia (58,192), South Korea (52,311), Taiwan (48,168), The United Kingdom (29,215), Russia (28,829), Germany (26,881), and other countries (234,209).

Last year, a total of 77,379 French tourists visited Bali, up 15,359 or 24.76 percent from 62,020 people in 2007.

Notably no mention of the 70,000 (or 700,000) Italians that the esteemed Ambassador was talking about.

Apart from the 'local' Australian aberration, it appears that MOST of Bali's tourists are from the FAR EAST.

Edited August 1, 2009 by NanLaew

[tropo]

So, according to you, Bali is doing nothing to increase tourism.......just simply because more Australians going there.

According to me more Australians are going to Bali for the reasons I stated. Bali is always a bargain for Australians and Bali needs to do nothing to get more Australians there in times of recession.

I'm talking about Australians only.

And, according to you, Malaysia is doing nothing to increase tourism........just currency issues is what is attracting people.

I never mentioned a word about Malaysia.

If so, you are stating Thailand is no longer a bargain......sure you want to say that?

I was stating nothing of the sort. I was saying that more Australians will head to Bali in times of recession because it is such a bargain for Australians. It has always been and always will be a very popular destination for Australians and it has always been cheaper than Thailand for Australians.

You seemed to miss the part where I mentioned exchange rates. The exchange rate of the baht/Aussie Dollar went dismally low in October last year (lost 10 baht per dollar or 30%) whereas the Indonesian Rupiah has remained quite stable against the Aussie Dollar. It's pretty obvious that Thailand has lost out in this and what the countries may or may not be doing is totally irrelevant regarding which country remains the bargain destination.

[tropo]

A relation in Australia sent me a few costs of Vacation trips to Thailand , Malaysia , & a couple of others , I had already been on one to Malaysia that was a bargain a few weeks ago & for the same price of a 10 day package to Thailand he can get 14 days in Bali & 16 days in Malaysia (in Langkwai , Penang & KL in one package).

Having visited Malaysia, Bali and Thailand I can confidently say that (for me) a 10 day package in Thailand would be a much more enjoyable vacation than 14 days in Bali and 16 days in Malaysia.

I'd happily take 5 days in Pattaya over 20 days in Malaysia or Bali.

[JR Texas]

Here's some Bali statistics from another page on the same website that JR posted. At least they have proof-read their submission!

http://balita.ph/2009/07/09/french-tourist...als-in-bali-up/

DENPASAR, Bali, July 9 — The number of French tourist arrivals in Bali went up 36.12 percent to 37.256 from January to May 2009, from 27,370 in the same period a year earlier. "Especially for May 2009, the number of tourists from France was recorded at 11,147 people, down 8.49 percent from that in May last year," Ida Komang Wisnu, head of the Bali provincial central bureau of statistics (BPS) said here on Thursday.

Most of the French tourists arrived through the Ngurah Rai international airport, and only ten of them used cruiser to enter the island, he said. "The French tourists accounted for 4.28 percent of the total foreign tourists (870,029) visited Bali in the first five months of 2009," he said.

In 2008, Bali received a total of 792,657 foreign tourists, he said.

France was on the seventh rank in the list of the ten top countries contributing to the Bali`s dollar earnings.

The largest number of foreign tourists visiting Bali are from Australia (137,018 people), Japan (132,122), China (85,828), Malaysia (58,192), South Korea (52,311), Taiwan (48,168), The United Kingdom (29,215), Russia (28,829), Germany (26,881), and other countries (234,209).

Last year, a total of 77,379 French tourists visited Bali, up 15,359 or 24.76 percent from 62,020 people in 2007.

Notably no mention of the 70,000 (or 700,000) Italians that the esteemed Ambassador was talking about.

Apart from the 'local' Australian aberration, it appears that MOST of Bali's tourists are from the FAR EAST.

Thanks for the info.......no doubt the 700,000 Italian tourists was a typo, but you don't know if the ranking above is actually correct and how many Italians are in that 234,209 category.

It makes sense, given proximity, that most tourists in Bali are from Australia (inexpensive and wonderful trip). The Japanese, of course, are coming from a long way off.......seems to taper off with distance (makes sense).

Where can you find accurate, up to date figures that are not biased? The UN has to have this somewhere.

[tropo]

Here's some Bali statistics from another page on the same website that JR posted. At least they have proof-read their submission!

http://balita.ph/2009/07/09/french-tourist...als-in-bali-up/

DENPASAR, Bali, July 9 — The number of French tourist arrivals in Bali went up 36.12 percent to 37.256 from January to May 2009, from 27,370 in the same period a year earlier. "Especially for May 2009, the number of tourists from France was recorded at 11,147 people, down 8.49 percent from that in May last year," Ida Komang Wisnu, head of the Bali provincial central bureau of statistics (BPS) said here on Thursday.

Most of the French tourists arrived through the Ngurah Rai international airport, and only ten of them used cruiser to enter the island, he said. "The French tourists accounted for 4.28 percent of the total foreign tourists (870,029) visited Bali in the first five months of 2009," he said.

In 2008, Bali received a total of 792,657 foreign tourists, he said.

France was on the seventh rank in the list of the ten top countries contributing to the Bali`s dollar earnings.

The largest number of foreign tourists visiting Bali are from Australia (137,018 people), Japan (132,122), China (85,828), Malaysia (58,192), South Korea (52,311), Taiwan (48,168), The United Kingdom (29,215), Russia (28,829), Germany (26,881), and other countries (234,209).

Last year, a total of 77,379 French tourists visited Bali, up 15,359 or 24.76 percent from 62,020 people in 2007.

Notably no mention of the 70,000 (or 700,000) Italians that the esteemed Ambassador was talking about.

Apart from the 'local' Australian aberration, it appears that MOST of Bali's tourists are from the FAR EAST.

Thanks for the info.......no doubt the 700,000 Italian tourists was a typo, but you don't know if the ranking above is actually correct and how many Italians are in that 234,209 category.

It makes sense, given proximity, that most tourists in Bali are from Australia (inexpensive and wonderful trip). The Japanese, of course, are coming from a long way off.......seems to taper off with distance (makes sense).

Where can you find accurate, up to date figures that are not biased? The UN has to have this somewhere.

I'm surprised that so many Japanese tourists are going to Bali...and what would be the attraction in Bali for Malaysian tourists?

Edited August 1, 2009 by tropo