Amazing Thailand Essay Example

by 2020.

Thailand tourism industry.
The kingdom of Thailand lies in the heart of Southeast Asia. Malaysia, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam and China are close neighbours. Thailand’s territory exceeds 500,000 square kilometers.  The meaning of Thailand is ‘land of the free’.

The capital is Bangkok which means ‘the city of angel’. Bangkok is the capital city and centre of political, commercial, industrial and cultural activities. It is also the seat of Thailand's revered Royal Family, with his Majesty the King recognized as Head of State, Head of the Armed Forces, Upholder of the Buddhist religion and Upholder of all religions.

(TAT, 2006) Since 1980s, Thailand achieves a rapid expansion in tourists’ arrivals with growth rates over 20%. Between 1985 and 1995, visitors rose from 2.4 to 6.9 million, approximate30% of these travelers are from Europe and America thus generating tourism receipts of US$6.617 million.

(Hall, 1997 6) Tourism had become a main source of foreign exchange and revenue in the Thai economy. In 2002, tourism receipts reached an annual average rate of 16.2%. Also, the tourism balance was at a record high of over US$6 billion. (Travel and Tourism – Thailand, 2005) (see appendix A) Again, Thailand tourism industry aims to become the top five destination marketing in the world by 2020.

The holiday market is dominated, attracting ten times as many arrivals as the next most important segment – business travel. (Travel and Tourism – Thailand, 2005)(see appendix B)Landscape is the most main attraction to tourists. Thailand has much to offer the tourist including a great diversity of landscape from the mountainous north to the tropical south with mountain scenery, fertile

plains, and palm-fringed beaches. (Henderson, 1999)

Besides varied exotic landscape, rich history and outstanding culture is also an attraction. For instance, Mysterious Thai boxing, Thai food, Thai royal family and palaces form unique Thai culture which attract millions of visitors come every year. The Thai people's sincere love for the monarchy is unique. In 2006, Thailand has a year-long Grand Festival of Events nationwide to share their culture with all visitors in order to celebrate Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s accession to the Throne for 60 years. (TAT, 2006)

Besides that,   95% of Thai are Buddhists. Thai Buddhism comes down in one continuous line with Buddhism in other Asia countries. However, there are lots of characteristic Buddhism temples in each city. These temples attract thousands of visitors and Buddhists from different countries every year.