webfact Posted May 30, 2013 Share Posted May 30, 2013 Swedes abandon Thailand as tourist destinationBY ANDERS HOLM NIELSENBANGKOK: -- The Swedes have given up on Thailand, it seems. The number of trips to what used to be a popular destination has decreased by 25 percent and has slipped from the top-ten list and now comes in at twelfth place.The past 20 years, Thailand has been a success story when it comes to tourism. In 1992 the Swedes made over 100,000 trips there, and 10 years later in 2002, the number had doubled. 2010 peaked for Sweden-Thailand traveling with 443,000 trips, but in 2011, the number of trips had gone from 430,000 to 323,000 trips.According to vagabond.se, one reason is probably saturation. Many Swedes have traveled to Thailand for several years and has now become curious about other places, such as the Caribbean and the United States, which travel companies are investing heavily in. Another reason is that Thailand is starting to feel exploited and “normal”, the same fate that befell Mallorca in the 1990’s.New York has become a popular destination for Swedes, followed by Florida. Interest in the U.S. has increased for several years and has recently been further increased because of the new routes, cheaper fares and perhaps above all a strong crown and thus a cheap dollar, which has made the U.S. into a shopping paradise for the Swedes. Source: http://scandasia.com/swedes-abandon-thailand-as-tourist-destination/ -- ScandAsia 2013-05-30 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Bellweather Posted May 30, 2013 Popular Post Share Posted May 30, 2013 I'll bet TAT can produce figures to the contrary, accuracy not included. 19 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post roamer Posted May 30, 2013 Popular Post Share Posted May 30, 2013 Swedes like beaches and they used to flock to places like Phuket. But as my ex wife (Swedish) said to me, if she wanted to be surrounded by Russians she would have gone to Russia for her holiday. 50 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post BrianCR Posted May 30, 2013 Popular Post Share Posted May 30, 2013 Now swedes have given up on Thailand I bet cabbages will be next, followed by the Chinese 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hellodolly Posted May 30, 2013 Share Posted May 30, 2013 I tend to agree that the Swedes who travel a lot might just have had enough of the holiday resorts and beaches and are seeking out other venues. Perhaps the Thai business people could look into more affordable resorts and beaches as well as off the normal track destinations. Promote tours. I have seen as many as three tour buses from China at the same time where I live. In the 7 years I have lived here not a one farong bus. I am sure there are some out there but very few. It has often baffled me why they have to build a five star resort and promote it. There are other resorts that are not five star but have all the amenities. These would be attractive to a lot of people who would write Thailand off as to expensive when all they see is the high end being promoted. The Thai baht is strong at the moment but I don't think that would affect the year over all. I could be wrong on that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post EyesWideOpen Posted May 30, 2013 Popular Post Share Posted May 30, 2013 (edited) I would venture to guess that the TV program coming out in Sweden showing Swedes getting hurt in Thailand will not help... Will be interesting to see the future of tourism here. There may be a lot tourists not coming anymore due to the extreme amount of Russian tourists. I know in Pattaya right now, if the Russians went away, this place would collapse. Notwithstanding the tour buses full of Chinese people gaping out the windows. If the Russian economy tanks, so will Thailand. The danger of single country tourists. I know the raw Chinese numbers are big, but I sure do not see them spending money around.. Maybe shopping at Emporium ?? I personally think the bar beer girl business is in a decline here. The Swedes were certainly a part of that. While you can certainly argue that that direct amount of money is small in relationship to tourism overall, it is first contact for farangs and Thai girls , and the basis for the incredible amount of money that is spent and sent to Isan villages. Edited May 30, 2013 by EyesWideOpen 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DocN Posted May 30, 2013 Share Posted May 30, 2013 I'll bet TAT can produce figures to the contrary, accuracy not included. You beat me to it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Katipo Posted May 30, 2013 Popular Post Share Posted May 30, 2013 Swedes like beaches and they used to flock to places like Phuket. But as my ex wife (Swedish) said to me, if she wanted to be surrounded by Russians she would have gone to Russia for her holiday. I believe the reasons mentioned in the article have some influence on the numbers, but yes, the number of Russians swarming into Thailand almost certainly is the main reason. Sure, I have no hard figures, but there is no missing the 1,000s of Russians no matter where you go.... Koh Chang, Kanchanaburi, Krabi, Pattaya, Phuket. Truth be told, most Russians make many people feel uncomfortable, myself included. While I have met a few fun/interesting independent travellers, the majority for whatever reason, want nothing to do with anyone else. 10 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chainarong Posted May 30, 2013 Share Posted May 30, 2013 (edited) I am not surprised, the derogatory comments you over hear on flights and at immigration on arrival back in Oz would make you think nobody would come to Thailand , the comments are attributed to the normal complaints, Thai watchers know these, tourists keep coming here, It probably is money and distance. I still like the place who cares. Edited May 30, 2013 by chainarong 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
samuilongtime Posted May 30, 2013 Share Posted May 30, 2013 I was holidaying in Ao Nang Krabi in March and the place was packed with Swedes,thousands of them on the beach,in the town of a night,they were by far the most represented Europeans in the resort. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Katipo Posted May 30, 2013 Share Posted May 30, 2013 I was holidaying in Ao Nang Krabi in March and the place was packed with Swedes,thousands of them on the beach,in the town of a night,they were by far the most represented Europeans in the resort. Ao nang at Songkran was Russian & Malaysian (you can fly direct from KL I learnt). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arthurwait Posted May 30, 2013 Share Posted May 30, 2013 Nothing to do with a failing economy as in most western countries, an awful exchange rate and prices increasing fast due to popularist policies by a useless government ? Yep the bargirl industry is failing because it's majority of clients pensions have crashed against the baht. The new money tourists here from India, China etc not spending money there. Much cheaper at home for them. Bars now a tourist attraction for backpackers, younger western couples, western women , Indians , arabs , teflers who all nurse one drink for as long as possible and don't pay bar fines. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post FireMedic Posted May 30, 2013 Popular Post Share Posted May 30, 2013 Tomorrow a new figure will come out from TAT saying Swed tourists have increased 25% with deaths and injuries are down 98% 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ianatlarge Posted May 30, 2013 Share Posted May 30, 2013 Most likely a combination of all the above. Still, fads come and go, maybe in five years the Swedes will rediscover Thailand and flock back. Personally, I would keep an eye on those Ozis visiting Thailand. They seem to be causing most of the trouble. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pmugghc Posted May 30, 2013 Share Posted May 30, 2013 I don't think the baht rate is a big factor, since the Swedish krona has gained almost the same. I brought my cousin here last October, she was horrified by the Russians' behavior at Koh Larn. But she liked Koh Chang. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Boinhongkong Posted May 30, 2013 Popular Post Share Posted May 30, 2013 BAD NEWS FOR THAILAND! Swedes have been the travel industry trendsetters since the end of the 1950ies. What they do will be followed by all other European's within a few years. The reasons for leaving Thailand are probably a combination of the following: Spain has become cheap US has become cheap Most Swedes are frustrated over the extremely dirty beaches and cities in Thailand Most Swedes are frustrated over the extreme corruption in Thailand I don't believe the Russians are a big problem. They are all over Europe as well. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Om85 Posted May 30, 2013 Share Posted May 30, 2013 (edited) I dont think that russians are a big factor, I go to pattaya almost every weekend and I only hav met a couple of russians, I think that the reason why aparently the number of sweedes coming to thailand has diclined is because the thai tourist market isnt so attractive as it use to be, people prefer to go to us and the caribbean specially now that the dolar is cheaper than before, Miami, and LA r by far funnier and more attractive Edited May 30, 2013 by Om85 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post ratcatcher Posted May 30, 2013 Popular Post Share Posted May 30, 2013 BAD NEWS FOR THAILAND! Swedes have been the travel industry trendsetters since the end of the 1950ies. What they do will be followed by all other European's within a few years. The reasons for leaving Thailand are probably a combination of the following: Spain has become cheap US has become cheap Most Swedes are frustrated over the extremely dirty beaches and cities in Thailand Most Swedes are frustrated over the extreme corruption in Thailand I don't believe the Russians are a big problem. They are all over Europe as well. And to add insult to injury,they're all over Mother Russia too! 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Joe Mamma Posted May 30, 2013 Popular Post Share Posted May 30, 2013 Shame, it is. I enjoy seeing the Swedes and their families. Hope they come back again. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boinhongkong Posted May 30, 2013 Share Posted May 30, 2013 If anything is an indicator to what the Swedes think of Thailand I think this is: "After 63 years Scandinavia's SAS will no longer serve Bangkok" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post soi41 Posted May 30, 2013 Popular Post Share Posted May 30, 2013 Younger Swedes are afraid to go here, fall in love, only to find out, that their future wife is the older sister of their fathers new wife ! 18 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chrisswe Posted May 30, 2013 Share Posted May 30, 2013 Time for tourist authority of Thailand to investigate the reason ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Jingthing Posted May 30, 2013 Popular Post Share Posted May 30, 2013 At the recent Eurovision final in Sweden, the only country that was getting BOOED by the crowd was Russia. This might be a factor. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kimamey Posted May 30, 2013 Share Posted May 30, 2013 Younger Swedes are afraid to go here, fall in love, only to find out, that their future wife is the older sister of their fathers new wife ! I've got a bloody headache now. Thanks! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SinglePot Posted May 30, 2013 Share Posted May 30, 2013 BAD NEWS FOR THAILAND! Swedes have been the travel industry trendsetters since the end of the 1950ies. What they do will be followed by all other European's within a few years. The reasons for leaving Thailand are probably a combination of the following: Spain has become cheap US has become cheap Most Swedes are frustrated over the extremely dirty beaches and cities in Thailand Most Swedes are frustrated over the extreme corruption in Thailand I don't believe the Russians are a big problem. They are all over Europe as well. That's a relief then. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loptr Posted May 30, 2013 Share Posted May 30, 2013 Excellent news as this means there will be some nice properties coming on the market in Hua Hin. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boinhongkong Posted May 30, 2013 Share Posted May 30, 2013 Time for tourist authority of Thailand to investigate the reason ! Have you seen their questionnaires? Do you like Thai food? Which of the following Thai destinations do you like best? No way any TAT staffs will ask questions that will tell WHY Swedes (and soon all other Europeans) find other destinations. And even if they ask the right questions, they will never read the results!!! I remember 30 years ago, before Thailand became Chinese, all results of the questionnaires done by TG or TAT came out with the same answers: Beaches and girls Food and girls Mountains and girls Cheap shopping and girls Etc and etc and girls TG sponsored movies like Emmanuelle. Thai women didn't use bra. Thai temples had Thai Buddhas, etc etc... TG used much money promoting friendly exotic girls as their trade mark and their slogan was SMOOTH AS SILK until the Chinese women at TAT prohibited them from using girls. TG's slogan changed to "We reach for the sky" and all Thai women disappeared from their advertising. SQ said Thank you and copied the campaign with their slogan "Singapore Girl". We all know which is the most popular airline of the two today! TG and TAT knew what sells Thailand from their research still they decided to deny the most important factor! I don't say that using Thai women is the right thing today I just want to point on how TG and even more so, TAT read their own research. And about China... I LOVE Chinese culture but I'm not flying to Thailand to see it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sreiter Posted May 30, 2013 Share Posted May 30, 2013 Now swedes have given up on Thailand I bet cabbages will be next, followed by the Chinese .....and,- just out of curiosity-which group of vegetable would you be belonging to? Cheers S Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JetsetBkk Posted May 30, 2013 Share Posted May 30, 2013 Another reason is that Thailand is starting to feel exploited Starting? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SinglePot Posted May 30, 2013 Share Posted May 30, 2013 Time for tourist authority of Thailand to investigate the reason ! Have you seen their questionnaires? Do you like Thai food? Which of the following Thai destinations do you like best? No way any TAT staffs will ask questions that will tell WHY Swedes (and soon all other Europeans) find other destinations. And even if they ask the right questions, they will never read the results!!!I remember 30 years ago, before Thailand became Chinese, all results of the questionnaires done by TG or TAT came out with the same answers: Beaches and girls Food and girls Mountains and girls Cheap shopping and girls Etc and etc and girls TG sponsored movies like Emmanuelle. Thai women didn't use bra. Thai temples had Thai Buddhas, etc etc...TG used much money promoting friendly exotic girls as their trade mark and their slogan was SMOOTH AS SILK until the Chinese women at TAT prohibited them from using girls. TG's slogan changed to "We reach for the sky" and all Thai women disappeared from their advertising. SQ said Thank you and copied the campaign with their slogan "Singapore Girl". We all know which is the most popular airline of the two today! TG and TAT knew what sells Thailand from their research still they decided to deny the most important factor! I don't say that using Thai women is the right thing today I just want to point on how TG and even more so, TAT read their own research. And about China... I LOVE Chinese culture but I'm not flying to Thailand to see it! Chinese women prohibit anything they don't like. Come to that, so do Chinese men. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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