Bangkok named the world’s 3rd top tourist destinations



BANGKOK: -- Euromonitor International has ranked Bangkok as the world’s third top city for international tourist visits, after Hong Kong and Singapore in its latest Top City Destinations ranking released this month.

In its release of the Top City Destinations Ranking, covering 100 of the world’s leading cities in terms of international tourist arrivals, Hong Kong and Singapore maintained their first and second place spots in 2012 while Bangkok came third with 15.822 arrivals or 14.6% increase from 2011.

Hong Kong came first with 23.77 million arrivals, 6.5% rise, while Singapore registered 21.345 million arrivals, 7.7% increase.

Euromonitor International attributed continued economic growth helped these cities collectively experience a gain of 6.6% in 2012, outpacing the 4.2% growth of overall international arrivals. Within the top 10, six cities are located in Asia, demonstrating the importance of the region to international travel. Overall, 32 of the top 100 city destinations are in Asia Pacific, 12 more than in second-placed Western Europe.

It said the rise of Chinese tourists impacts these top cities.

China was the fastest growing source market and helped them to retain their leading positions. Arrivals from China to Hong Kong grew by 11.1% in 2012 and accounted for a 63.5% share of all inbound visitors. Without taking Chinese arrivals into account, however, international arrivals to Hong Kong were flat. China is the third largest source market for Singapore although it accounts for only 9.6% of international arrivals. Instead, Singapore relies heavily on arrivals from Malaysia and Indonesia, which together account for slightly more than half of all arrivals.

Chinese tourists were also a boon to Thailand’s tourism industry, increasing by 62% in 2012 to become the largest source market for tourists. Chinese tourists visit Thailand for its temples, beaches and shopping. Additionally, the 2012 Chinese film “Lost in Thailand” inspired more tourists to flock to the country. As a result, Bangkok edged out London for third place in the rankings.

As a mature destination heavily dependent on mature source markets, such as the US and Europe, London’s 2.3% increase was a reasonable performance. Instead of being a boon for international tourism, the summer Olympics had a displacement effect, with 5% fewer international arrivals to the city in July 2012 compared to July 2011, according to the UK’s Office for National Statistics.

But it said while the Chinese venture abroad, fewer travelers visit China

It said Shanghai, Beijing and Zhuhai were among the worst performing cities in 2012. A slowing economy, a stronger yuan and pollution fears all dissuaded travelers from visiting Asian countries, as well as Canadians and Russians from visiting China. In particular, tourists from Japan, the fifth largest source market, experienced a decline due to the weak yen and the ongoing dispute over the Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands in the East China Sea. However, Guilin registered strong growth thanks to the efforts of its government to promote the city as an international destination at travel trade fairs held in Thailand, Russia and Malaysia, as well as the city’s burgeoning reputation for sightseeing.

Euromonitor International also said future growth will be driven by Chinese and Russians travelers

In 2012, the top five countries in terms of number of international departures were Germany, the US, the UK, China and Russia. By 2017, China will lead with Germany in second place and Russia in third. Therefore, cities which appeal to Chinese and Russian travelers will experience stronger growth, especially those in neighboring countries. China’s ban on shopping tours, effective from 1 October 2013, may cause a short-term dip to cities with a high share of such trips, such as Hong Kong and Seoul.

In particular, Thailand is well positioned to benefit from the strong growth of both Chinese and Russian travelers thanks to its proximity, shopping and attractions, although the current political unrest may undermine growth in the short term, more so for Bangkok than other destinations which can be reached directly. In the long term, nevertheless, Euromonitor International expects that Bangkok will cement its position as the third most visited city, while Phuket, Pattaya and Chiang Mai will continue their ascent in the rankings.

Countries which relax or streamline visa processes, develop strong relationships with tour operators, implement targeted marketing and expand airlift will increase travelers from these countries, which will benefit their main city destinations. Many countries have embraced the move to better visa processes or exemptions to woo these visitors. For example, on 1 January 2014, South Korea allowed Russians to travel to the country for 60 days without a visa.

It is these actions that mature city destinations need to pursue. Paris has done well courting emerging market travelers, with 320,000 Russians and 204,000 Chinese visitors in 2012, up 7.5% and 16.1%, respectively, according to Parisinfo.com. For Russians, Italy, Germany and Spain are increasingly on their radar so it is imperative that cities there embrace these tourists.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/bangkok-named-worlds-3rd-top-tourist-destinations/


-- Thai PBS 2014-01-31

Great news you go Thailand 5 star from me

Hehee i wonder if they got their numbers from the TAT? I guess it doesnt matter since that was last years numbers. This year Bkk will be out for the count since tourists will avoid it like the plague

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No one 'embraces' their tourist visitors more than Bangkok.

Hehee i wonder if they got their numbers from the TAT? I guess it doesnt matter since that was last years numbers. This year Bkk will be out for the count since tourists will avoid it like the plague

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Why are there so many negative Farang in Thailand?

Third in Asia, not the world

And let the Thailand bashing commence

Hehee i wonder if they got their numbers from the TAT? I guess it doesnt matter since that was last years numbers. This year Bkk will be out for the count since tourists will avoid it like the plague

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Why are there so many negative Farang in Thailand?

Maybe taught here, when they first came to the shores attitude was far different from now--- you don't know why ??? Majority of farrang live here are now more negative because they learn from experience. That doesn't mean they wish not to be here because one can live with the advantages, when the balance tips then it is time to leave.

For protesters ?

Paris claims 20mn + every year.....

Hehee i wonder if they got their numbers from the TAT? I guess it doesnt matter since that was last years numbers. This year Bkk will be out for the count since tourists will avoid it like the plague

Sent from my GT-S5310 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Why are there so many negative Farang in Thailand?

Maybe taught here, when they first came to the shores attitude was far different from now--- you don't know why ??? Majority of farrang live here are now more negative because they learn from experience. That doesn't mean they wish not to be here because one can live with the advantages, when the balance tips then it is time to leave.

I just opened a new trend on this issue, you got to accept Thailand for what it is to be happy..

Third in Asia, not the world

Wrong.

Bangkok. Third. City. In the world.

BKK was BTW listed as top city in Asia a few years ago:

http://www.vacationideas.me/travel-tips/top-10-most-visited-cities-in-the-world/

http://www.enjoyourholiday.com/2011/04/18/top-10-most-visited-cities-in-the-world/

Edited January 31, 201412 yr by oldthaihand99

Hehee i wonder if they got their numbers from the TAT? I guess it doesnt matter since that was last years numbers. This year Bkk will be out for the count since tourists will avoid it like the plague

Sent from my GT-S5310 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Why are there so many negative Farang in Thailand?

Maybe taught here, when they first came to the shores attitude was far different from now--- you don't know why ??? Majority of farrang live here are now more negative because they learn from experience. That doesn't mean they wish not to be here because one can live with the advantages, when the balance tips then it is time to leave.

I just opened a new trend on this issue, you got to accept Thailand for what it is to be happy..

I agree really, it just adapting after time, because things have changed drastically over the years. We all move on but it is better to be aware of the downfalls if not you fall fast. Go with the flow.

Most are here for different reasons, mine the warmth-the different way of life-for the experience-the cost of living-with arthritis the hot sun is better than freezing winters. But I don't go around thinking it is paradise when I know different.

BKK airport arrivals, whatever figures are presented by TAT ??? arguable --So is it Bangkok 3rd best Asian, or Swampy arrivals. There is a difference.

Third in Asia, not the world

Thanks god , buddha or whoever you want.

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Edited January 31, 201412 yr by Wavnarok

Third? Not this month, or March, or April......or May...

May... Let's call it Maybe May.

Bangkok ranked number 1 in the world for the year 2013:

http://abcnews.go.com/Travel/worlds-visited-city/story?id=19321714

Edited January 31, 201412 yr by oldthaihand99

I guess the survey was a few months ago.

Hehee i wonder if they got their numbers from the TAT? I guess it doesnt matter since that was last years numbers. This year Bkk will be out for the count since tourists will avoid it like the plague

Sent from my GT-S5310 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Why are there so many negative Farang in Thailand?

Because we have to deal with Thais all day! Followed by I am sure why do you live here then. A. My wife is Thai B. Its cheap C. The culture is amazing. I am enjoying my early 40's and taking a 5 year retirement its a very easy thing to do in Thailand the cost of living in nothing out in the countryside. My entire housing expense is 215$ US dollars a month 5k for the rent(3 bedrooms,deck,2 stories) 1k for water(included) and power 650 for the internet. I live right near the river inside of town near everything. Beats the 15k I use to pay in Bkk just for a one bedroom box.

Edited January 31, 201412 yr by BigRick

Paris claims 20mn + every year.....

London up to 30 million and that was in 2009

Edited January 31, 201412 yr by 3NUMBAS

How much did TAT pay for THAT survey?

Hehee i wonder if they got their numbers from the TAT? I guess it doesnt matter since that was last years numbers. This year Bkk will be out for the count since tourists will avoid it like the plague

Sent from my GT-S5310 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Why are there so many negative Farang in Thailand?

Maybe taught here, when they first came to the shores attitude was far different from now--- you don't know why ??? Majority of farrang live here are now more negative because they learn from experience. That doesn't mean they wish not to be here because one can live with the advantages, when the balance tips then it is time to leave.

I can see few advantages of living in BKK and thank g-d BKK is not Thailand. The advantages are to be found away from where falangs seem to collect within Thailand.

All of it "driven" by Chinese and Russian tourists. Couldn't think of a better group of people. Friendly, courteous, hygienic, and generous to a fault. Thailand will love them.

And let the Thailand bashing commence

Euromonitor International: never heard of. And I work in tourism. Is it sth like Tripadvisor where you get ('certificate') what you pay? Suvarnabhumi airport as well has Awards from organisations which do not ring any recognized bells. If they get the Double-A prize I can understand with those thousands of stickered A-4 on walls, pilars, windows. Suvarnabhumi is not bad but as well not in the ranks to get awarded.

How much did TAT pay for THAT survey?

Very probable Euromonitor Int. = TAT

Udon Thani first, Pattaya second and Bangkok third, sounds about right. As voted for by 10 Thai blokes down the pub after a few bottles of Yadong.

How much did TAT pay for THAT survey?

Rice.

What are the Thais worried about? They're near the top.

How much did TAT pay for THAT survey?

paid nothing, just made it up.

thailand voted top tourist destination by thailand.

it has a beautiful symmetry, you must admit.

Euromonitor International?! LOL!