Backpackers in Thailand Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Backpackers in Thailand - Essay Example the number of its inbound tourists (16% in the first half of 2009) is now limited to a decline of 5% in August 2009, which then shifted to a dramatic change of 10% increase in September and October 2009. Statistical calculations show that Thai tourism industry is expected to develop more favorable backpacker trends in 2010 by promoting budget youth travel. This further involves a brief observation on the principal and emerging markets in Thai backpacking tourism. For instance, beach tourism is Thailand is getting extremely popular among young backpackers from across the world. Keeping in focus the growing leisure market in Thailand, the government is expected to invest substantially on the beach vacation options while promoting a wide variety of beach activities and events for backpackers. Observing the backpackers arrivals to Thailand by nationalities, it is remarkable that the topmost backpackers are from the Asian countries while beach visitors from the UK, the US and other European countries are also increasing in number in the last 7 years (Berger, 2007). Some of the relevant statistical reports on backpackers to Thailand below will provide a clear picture (source: Tourism Authority of Thailand). In assistance of the beach tourism, new opportunities are evident in the health market emerging in Thailand. There are promotional efforts being carried out to provide improved quality services in the spa tourism of Thailand. The flourishing Thai spa industry plays an important role in the Thai economy. This is further associated closely with the medical tourism in Thailand - a relatively new market in the country. As Cohen (2008) explains the close bonding between the medical and spa industries of Thailand, â€Å"The hospitals seek to increase their share in the phenomenal growth of spa and wellness services, either by linkages to existing spas, or by establishing their own wellness centers.† (p. 254) Another significant market accompanying backpacker tourism is