Tokyo
was the most highly decorated world city ranked number one for best
taxi services, friendliest taxi
drivers, best public transportation, cleanest
streets, and safety. Singapore also rated highly in several
categories related to safety, cleanliness and transport
infrastructure.
However,
Bangkok rated best in two very important categories of the visitor
experience, shopping and value for money. Said Tourism
Authority of Thailand Governor Suraphon Svetasreni, “This is a very
important result for us because it underscores the success of our
marketing campaign. We have always sought to position Thailand as a
shopping paradise, thanks to our value for money factor and
extensive diversity of products and services.”
The
exact results were as follows:
Category
|
First
place
|
Second
place
|
Third
place
|
Best
for shopping
|
New
York City
|
Bangkok
|
Dubai
|
Best value
for money
|
Lisbon
|
Bangkok
|
Thailand
recorded a 31% increase in tourism receipts in 2011 over 2010,
according to Ministry of Tourism and Sports figures. The total
earnings of 776 billion baht (US$25.45 billion) were also well above
the original target of 716 billion baht (US$23 billion). Visitor
spending per capita per day in 2011 averaged 4,187 baht, of which 24%
(1,001 baht) was spent on shopping, the second
highest expenditure item
after accommodation.
The
growth in total number of visitors, projected at 20.5 million in 2012
and 22.45 million in 2013, is being matched by increased average
length of stay and average daily expenditure, further
underscoring the role of tourism as one of the most important
economic sectors and contributor to job creation and nationwide
income distribution.
Overall,
the expenditure figures show that the recent strengthening
of the baht against the US$ is having little impact and Thailand
remains good value for money for visitors
across the board. The availability of a broad range of products from
the latest designer goods to traditional Thai arts
and crafts is
further enhanced by the VAT refund scheme.
