Thailand Tourism
1. Introduction
The World Tourism Organisation affiliated to United Nations and recognised as the leading international body on global tourism states that tourism is “ the activities of person travelling to and staying in places outside their usual environment for not more than one consecutive year for leisure, business and other purposes” (WTO 2011). Travel and tourism is a very important economic activity around the world and it is the largest service industry in the world (WTTC 2011).
2.1. Bangkok
The capital as well as the largest city of Thailand, Bangkok is a melting pot of exotic aromas, remarkable sights and visual delights. The city was founded in 1782 by the first king of present Chakri Dynasty, King Rama I. Bangkok is also known as Krung Thep which means ‘City of Angels’ (Tourism Authority of Thailand 2011). It is situated on the delta of Chao Phraya River, 25 miles from the gulf of Thailand. The vibrant heart of Thailand- Bangkok is important as a major financial, cultural and economic centre (Aquino 2011).
Bangkok is a major tourist destination. Tourism industry is the second largest source of revenue in the entire Thailand (Thittongkam 2011). Bangkok is also known as ‘Venice of the East’ due to the Chao Phraya River winding through the city and the timeless canals which have been converted into streets now. Bangkok takes a great pride, as it is dotted with nearly 400 functioning Buddhist temples of great beauty around the capital (Tourism Authority of Thailand 2011). Bangkok is considered as a world centre for medical tourism as it offers high quality care and services from internationally trained doctors at lower prices. Also, Bangkok is known as a notorious destination for sex tourism.
2.2. Tourism Statistics
There is a significant rise in International arrivals to Thailand from 1998 to 2010. Bangkok being the major city, most of the international tourists are carried forward through Bangkok. The arrivals recorded at
The World Tourism Organisation affiliated to United Nations and recognised as the leading international body on global tourism states that tourism is “ the activities of person travelling to and staying in places outside their usual environment for not more than one consecutive year for leisure, business and other purposes” (WTO 2011). Travel and tourism is a very important economic activity around the world and it is the largest service industry in the world (WTTC 2011).
2.1. Bangkok
The capital as well as the largest city of Thailand, Bangkok is a melting pot of exotic aromas, remarkable sights and visual delights. The city was founded in 1782 by the first king of present Chakri Dynasty, King Rama I. Bangkok is also known as Krung Thep which means ‘City of Angels’ (Tourism Authority of Thailand 2011). It is situated on the delta of Chao Phraya River, 25 miles from the gulf of Thailand. The vibrant heart of Thailand- Bangkok is important as a major financial, cultural and economic centre (Aquino 2011).
Bangkok is a major tourist destination. Tourism industry is the second largest source of revenue in the entire Thailand (Thittongkam 2011). Bangkok is also known as ‘Venice of the East’ due to the Chao Phraya River winding through the city and the timeless canals which have been converted into streets now. Bangkok takes a great pride, as it is dotted with nearly 400 functioning Buddhist temples of great beauty around the capital (Tourism Authority of Thailand 2011). Bangkok is considered as a world centre for medical tourism as it offers high quality care and services from internationally trained doctors at lower prices. Also, Bangkok is known as a notorious destination for sex tourism.
2.2. Tourism Statistics
There is a significant rise in International arrivals to Thailand from 1998 to 2010. Bangkok being the major city, most of the international tourists are carried forward through Bangkok. The arrivals recorded at