Bangkok Again Top Destination City In Asia

[webfact]

Bangkok again top destination city in Asia

Phuket Gazette

Although some government officials may loath to admit it, the Bangkok nightlife continues to be one of its most enduring attractions, as can be seen on Soi Cowboy in Bangkok. Photo: 'Moomoobloo'

PHUKET: -- Good news for the Phuket tourism industry comes from a recently-released report by MasterCard that has Bangkok nestled into third place on the credit card giant’s list of major cities with the most tourist arrivals.

The MasterCard Global Destination Cities Index report by economist Yuwa Hedrick-Wong projected 2012 tourist arrivals in the Thai capital at 12.2 million, behind only global leader London (16.9 million) and Paris (16.0 million).

“Bangkok is again the number one destination city in Asia, a reflection of its strong and abiding appeal to tourists from the rest of the world,” the researcher wrote in his summary.

The report covered 42 cities in Asia-Pacific.

The figures for Bangkok, which will retain its third-place status from last year, project a 6.5 per cent increase in tourist arrivals from 2011, when 11.5 million people visited – despite massive flooding that devastate the city in the last quarter of the year.

Rounding out the top five were fourth-place Singapore (11.8mn projected visitors in 2012) and Istanbul (11.6mn).

Despite its relatively low cost for accommodations, Bangkok also ranked third in terms of total tourist spending after only London and New York. The report predicts a 16.6 per cent rise in total tourist expenditure to 598 billion baht by year’s end.

The researcher noted that the high expenditure was the result of longer stays by tourists compared to other cities that made the top twenty.

The main source cities of tourists arriving in Bangkok were listed as Tokyo, Singapore, Hong Kong, Seoul and Kuala Lumpur.

The biggest spenders come from Hong Kong (74,431 baht per visit) and Tokyo (70,215 baht).

The reporter predicted the top ten destination cities in Asia-Pacific in 2012 as:

Bangkok 12.2mn

Singapore 11.8mn

Hong Kong 11.1mn

Kuala Lampur 8.1mn

Seoul 8.0mn

Shanghai 7.5mn

Beijing 6.2mn

Taipei 5.4mn

Tokyo 4.3mn

Jakarta 2.8mn

Phuket was not among the 42 cities in the Asia-Pacific region covered in the analysis, although some have projected that the current banner year for tourism could see total passenger traffic at Phuket International Airport surpass the 9 million mark this year.

Meanwhile, a report released by the Tourism Authority of Thailand yesterday reported a 31 per cent year-on-year increase in tourist spending from 2010 to 2012, with total earnings of 776 billion baht.

“The figures show that Thailand has recorded clear increases in both quality and quantity of visitor arrivals. The growth in total number of visitors is being matched by increased average length of stay and average-daily expenditure, further underscoring the role of tourism as one of the most important economic sectors and contributors to job creation and nationwide income distribution,” the report reads.

Thailand recorded 19.23 million international visitors in 2011, up by 20.67 per cent over 2010, with an average length of stay of 9.64 days and an average daily spending of 4,187.12 baht per person, according to Ministry of Tourism and Sports figures.

Source: http://www.phuketgaz...ticle16452.html

-- Phuket Gazette 2012-07-19

[bkkjames]

Good news for Phuket? ok so by default good news for Pattaya, Udon, Hua Hin, Samui.....

I guess we will see 2010 (remember that year, fun wasn't it) as the benchmark for all further tourist increases..

[whybother]

You would think that they could have gone out and got a more recent photo rather than one that's been on file for a couple of years.

[ginjag]

You would think that they could have gone out and got a more recent photo rather than one that's been on file for a couple of years.

And an elephant in the street--illegal ???? good promotion for tourist-exploitation of animals for personal gain. Pleeeaaase if yo are in a position to promote you do not put elephants on the street-likewise you do not show photo's of some canals, or jet ski-or friendly police ! you show Tiffany's-hill tribes-unspoilt islands(if there are any left), floating markets, Thai traditional dancing-muay Thai, But you must also show Pattaya-Nana-pat pong- and the bars-boy/girl, YES these are the attractions. Not forgetting traditional Thai massage.

[Unkomoncents]

Thailand recorded 19.23 million international visitors in 2011, up by 20.67 per cent over 2010, with an average length of stay of 9.64 days and an average daily spending of 4,187.12 baht per person, according to Ministry of Tourism and Sports figures.

Strange that they don't mention the growth rate for 2012. In fact, according to the MasterCard Index, Bangkok doesn't figure at all on the list of top twenty tourist arrival growth cities. Caracas is number 20, with growth of visitors at 7%. Bangkok must rank below that figure if it is not on that list. The 2011 Index is difficult to find. Tourist spending in Bangkok is high. Certainly hope it stays that way.

[Katipo]

You would think that they could have gone out and got a more recent photo rather than one that's been on file for a couple of years.

And an elephant in the street--illegal ???? good promotion for tourist-exploitation of animals for personal gain. Pleeeaaase if yo are in a position to promote you do not put elephants on the street-likewise you do not show photo's of some canals, or jet ski-or friendly police ! you show Tiffany's-hill tribes-unspoilt islands(if there are any left), floating markets, Thai traditional dancing-muay Thai, But you must also show Pattaya-Nana-pat pong- and the bars-boy/girl, YES these are the attractions. Not forgetting traditional Thai massage.

What isn't exploitation in Thailand? Girls in bars because it's the easiest/only way for them to support their families, under-paid "insert service industry" job staff working 12 hour days so their greedy bosses can live a life we only dream of, mafias of tuk-tuk, taxi, jet-skit etc etc the list goes on. The truth is, it would be very very hard to have a holiday in Thailand without directly or indirectly exploiting someone.

[garrya]

The tourism propaganda is just extremely strong. We have constantly been fed by news praising the Thai tourism. Next week, we will find out that Thailand is the top destination in the Galaxy, survey done by Milky way institution.

[SOEYCHANLOY]

You would think that they could have gone out and got a more recent photo rather than one that's been on file for a couple of years.

And an elephant in the street--illegal ???? good promotion for tourist-exploitation of animals for personal gain. Pleeeaaase if yo are in a position to promote you do not put elephants on the street-likewise you do not show photo's of some canals, or jet ski-or friendly police ! you show Tiffany's-hill tribes-unspoilt islands(if there are any left), floating markets, Thai traditional dancing-muay Thai, But you must also show Pattaya-Nana-pat pong- and the bars-boy/girl, YES these are the attractions. Not forgetting traditional Thai massage.

What isn't exploitation in Thailand? Girls in bars because it's the easiest/only way for them to support their families, under-paid "insert service industry" job staff working 12 hour days so their greedy bosses can live a life we only dream of, mafias of tuk-tuk, taxi, jet-skit etc etc the list goes on. The truth is, it would be very very hard to have a holiday in Thailand without directly or indirectly exploiting someone.

Dont worry too much. They are ard. 70000000. Then... What does 20 more or less?

Sent from my GT-S5830T using Thaivisa Connect App

[LucidLucifer]

The tourism propaganda is just extremely strong. We have constantly been fed by news praising the Thai tourism. Next week, we will find out that Thailand is the top destination in the Galaxy, survey done by Milky way institution.

For all Bangkok's ills, surely you can't deny that it's an exciting place to visit if you are a tourist?

[Nisa]

Thailand recorded 19.23 million international visitors in 2011, up by 20.67 per cent over 2010, with an average length of stay of 9.64 days and an average daily spending of 4,187.12 baht per person, according to Ministry of Tourism and Sports figures.

Strange that they don't mention the growth rate for 2012. In fact, according to the MasterCard Index, Bangkok doesn't figure at all on the list of top twenty tourist arrival growth cities. Caracas is number 20, with growth of visitors at 7%. Bangkok must rank below that figure if it is not on that list. The 2011 Index is difficult to find. Tourist spending in Bangkok is high. Certainly hope it stays that way.

A very quick Google search pulled up both the 2011 and current 2012 rates and numbers ... http://newsroom.mastercard.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/MasterCard_Global_Destination_Cities_Index_2012.pdf

[ginjag]

You would think that they could have gone out and got a more recent photo rather than one that's been on file for a couple of years.

And an elephant in the street--illegal ???? good promotion for tourist-exploitation of animals for personal gain. Pleeeaaase if yo are in a position to promote you do not put elephants on the street-likewise you do not show photo's of some canals, or jet ski-or friendly police ! you show Tiffany's-hill tribes-unspoilt islands(if there are any left), floating markets, Thai traditional dancing-muay Thai, But you must also show Pattaya-Nana-pat pong- and the bars-boy/girl, YES these are the attractions. Not forgetting traditional Thai massage.

What isn't exploitation in Thailand? Girls in bars because it's the easiest/only way for them to support their families, under-paid "insert service industry" job staff working 12 hour days so their greedy bosses can live a life we only dream of, mafias of tuk-tuk, taxi, jet-skit etc etc the list goes on. The truth is, it would be very very hard to have a holiday in Thailand without directly or indirectly exploiting someone.

I actually stated the ELEPHANTS not exploitation of bars. only elephants o.k. My other comments were positive for Thailand in pointing out the tourist strong events/venues. Only giving a little no no to some places.

[garrya]

The tourism propaganda is just extremely strong. We have constantly been fed by news praising the Thai tourism. Next week, we will find out that Thailand is the top destination in the Galaxy, survey done by Milky way institution.

For all Bangkok's ills, surely you can't deny that it's an exciting place to visit if you are a tourist?

No doubt, for sure. Just the amount of praising articles pouring out of the media is shocking. .

[Skywalker69]

"Phuket was not among the 42 cities in the Asia-Pacific"

Do they mean Phuket island or Phuket Town?

[Nisa]

http://newsroom.mastercard.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/MasterCard_Global_Destination_Cities_Index_2012.pdf

[Nisa]

You would think that they could have gone out and got a more recent photo rather than one that's been on file for a couple of years.

Agree ... The picture was uploaded Dec. 2005 ... http://www.flickr.co...obloo/93523102/

It has been years since you will see elephants walking the streets for tourist entertainment in Bangkok.

Edited July 19, 2012 by Nisa

[NamKangMan]

"Thailand recorded 19.23 million international visitors in 2011, up by 20.67 per cent over 2010, with an average length of stay of 9.64 days and an average daily spending of 4,187.12 baht per person, according to Ministry of Tourism and Sports figures."

I have always wondered if these statistics include the thousands of "visa runners" in Thailand?

Wouldn't these people be counted, at minimum, four times a year, and possibly up to twenty four times a year? (15 day land boarder runs)

Sure, some tourist holiday here more than one time a year, but counting visa runners, several times a year, as tourists, is sure to make these statistics quite inaccurate.

Edited July 19, 2012 by NamKangMan

[Nisa]

"Thailand recorded 19.23 million international visitors in 2011, up by 20.67 per cent over 2010, with an average length of stay of 9.64 days and an average daily spending of 4,187.12 baht per person, according to Ministry of Tourism and Sports figures."

I have always wondered if these statistics include the thousands of "visa runners" in Thailand?

Wouldn't these people be counted, at minimum, four times a year, and possibly up to twelve times a year?

Sure, some tourist holiday here more than one time a year, but counting visa runners, several times a year, as tourists, is sure to make these statistics quite inaccurate.

According to Mastercard, they say the number is 12.2 million for 2012 BUT these are just visitors (non-Thais who leave the airport) on non-stop flights flying into Bangkok only and doesn't include people returning to their arrival country. Best I can understand regarding "arrival" country is if you booked a round trip ticket from BKK, you would not be counted when you returned to Bangkok. See page 29: http://newsroom.mast..._Index_2012.pdf

One thing I am not clear on is if the numbers for 2012 are from Q2 of 2011 through Q2 of 2012 or if these are number for the first 1/2 of 2012. I am guessing they have to be for an entire year and would then match up with the TAT figure of 19 millions since foreigners fly into other airports and many people from boarding nations come over land. If they are just for the first 1/2 of 2012, then it is certainly going to be another year for a huge increase in arrivals which may be possible considering the HUGE increased in passengers at BKK the first part of this year.

Edited July 19, 2012 by Nisa

[bigbamboo]

It's fantastic for Thailand that these official figures look so good so why are most people involved in the tourism business saying things look so bad?

[geriatrickid]

LOL, so BKK is a top city because of Mastercard receipts?

Amex is the card of choice for the wealthy and I'd be more interested to see the Amex results.

[KeyserSoze01]

It's fantastic for Thailand that these official figures look so good so why are most people involved in the tourism business saying things look so bad?

Because gross consumer spending via a single CC provider means little to nothing in the overall scheme of things.

[Nisa]

Interesting comme

It's fantastic for Thailand that these official figures look so good so why are most people involved in the tourism business saying things look so bad?

Because gross consumer spending via a single CC provider means little to nothing in the overall scheme of things.

LOL, so BKK is a top city because of Mastercard receipts?

Amex is the card of choice for the wealthy and I'd be more interested to see the Amex results.

Where in the article does it state or even hint that these figures are based on MasterCard receipts or spending? How about at least reading the article before belittling what you incorrectly thinks it is saying.

[Payboy]

You would think that they could have gone out and got a more recent photo rather than one that's been on file for a couple of years.

But that photo has it all. Elephant, Soi Dog, underage flower girl, bikini-clad go-go girls, dirty old men....

[annabel]

You would think that they could have gone out and got a more recent photo rather than one that's been on file for a couple of years.

And that too showing a baby elephant being dragged through the streets which is suppose to be illegal and which of course ignorant tourists continue to encourage ... Ouff..!

[nurofiend]

CM>

[noitom]

Looking at these tables is striking. Just compare the looking around in Bangkok with any other major league city on the list. See how the Thais attend to its "tourism jewel." Take a look at all the electrical wiring hanging down to eye level and jumbled up like hundreds of dozens of spaghetti wiring nightmares and firetraps all along Sukhumvit and other main thoroughfares.

Look at some of the side allys and sois off the main Sukhumvit sois and see the conditions. look at the flooding in the rainy season and off the rainy season. Check out the carbon monoxide from the buses, trucks, tuk tuks, and buses. examine all the pharmacies not counting the few in Emporium, Paragon, and isolated few in other malls or offices. See how the dark, no A/C facilities in the sweltering day and night heat benefit the medicines. Especially those in the super sized bottles that get counted out in the filthy metal tray sitting on the counter all day with hundreds of hands touching it and moving it. Check out the arrogant look you get from the Thai working there when you ask for a tissue to clean it or the counting tool off first. Take a look at the shelves and tops of bottles around the stores and see how long it's been since they were dusted or attended to. Calculate for yourself how often the stock is rotated

Look at the broken sidewalks and phone booths stuck in the middle of the falling apart sidewalks. Try a friendly walk and see how many times a big Thai shot or little Thai shots almost run you down at the cross of the soi where they don't stop prior to turning into Sukhumvit or other main drags. Jump out of the way of motorcycles on the little sidewalks that there are. Check out the dirty rags behind checkout counters that get used to wipe down filthy counters with filthy hands that then handle your food. Food! Then checkout the street food safety, health, and hygiene conditions. Also check out the eating establishments for sanitary and hygiene conditions. In the few bathrooms around, check out that filthy hand towel or wash cloth on the edge of the sink. The same bacteria laden rag that they use to wipe down the cans and urinals.

Besides BTS and MRT and a few of those modern bridges over the river, it's a useful exercise to ask yourself where in the world do Thais reinvest in their tourism business? Where do they spend all that money? If these charts are true, then Thais and the tourism trade should be hanging their heads in shame. Where does all that money go? It's an incredible incongruity. It's Thais sticking their finger in the eye of foreign tourists saying f--- o-- Use our women for sex and be happy that they are so cheap and plentiful, but just leave your money and stick that dirty rag where the sun doesn't shine. We are still at the top of the list in revenue from tourist trade. So there. If you don't like it, don't come anymore. But see where you will find such plentiful cheap sex elsewhere in the top 20 cities.

[meatballs]

Soi Cowboy? Expensive.

Head to Cambodia or Philippines for the nightlife. It's far cheaper there.

[Notstupid30]

Things must be bad if Thaivisa are having to rerun the story in today news ? What was printed yesterday as for mastercard and visa with all the scams happening with Credit Fraud these days and ATM scams no suprise it's number one destination ..

P's not having ago at the Thaivisa Team just pointing out what i have seen in the news for yesterday #26 ..

I was also looking at world's best destinations for 2012 and guess what most site haven't mentioned Thailand whatsoever but when you have riots and otherthings and on top of that with mystery deaths to tourist visting Thailand and jetski scams plus tourist drinks being spiked the list could go on but cant be assed really ..

[HerbalEd]

You would think that they could have gone out and got a more recent photo rather than one that's been on file for a couple of years.

You would think no one would care about something so trivial.

[HerbalEd]

You would think that they could have gone out and got a more recent photo rather than one that's been on file for a couple of years.

Agree ... The picture was uploaded Dec. 2005 ... http://www.flickr.co...obloo/93523102/

It has been years since you will see elephants walking the streets for tourist entertainment in Bangkok.

Actually it's only been about one year.

[ginjag]

I read the report-RELEASED by Mastercard. If it is not connected to their card sales, why would they be involved???? and how can anyone state for sure that this money is the only way to buy goods etc ?? do card companies have access to info into other means of purchase-T Cheques, CASH. A vast ammount of people will not use ATM here as the charge for near all is a standard 150 bht rip off.

Again we have to look at -WHO did the research----how they did it-----IF one could get info into all types of purchases a better top table could be found.

How many times are we plastered with Thailands-BKK-AIRPORT--juggled figures-- the amount of reports like this are too numerous to be real. Promotion is one thing stupidity is another.

When in other countries we do not read every other day how much money is spent per visitor--how many are arriving- here it is fear of the truth --or someone is worried. they have to keep doing this to outwardly show all the world is massing into Bkk,

My idea is more easy on the eye. Now and again a thorough survey is done from many organisations colated together, and produced.

every half year, figures like this would be welcome. NOT these reports that are not giving the whole picture, the whole picture could never be produced, We have to either think it's a fair view survey --or not. our choice. but nothing is altogether true, so much is hidden. GOOD FOR BKK and THAILAND if correct.