Bangkok--10 Nov--Spark Communications
Travelers willing to pay more for good food during an overseas vacation
The distinctive culinary flavors of Thai cooking is the top reason for repeat visits to the country, according to the Visa-Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Asia Pacific Travel Intentions Survey 2010[1].
Among respondents who would consider visiting Thailand in the next two years, 61 percent are repeat travelers who said they would be drawn to visit again by the culinary experiences that Thailand offers.
[1] Commissioned by Visa and PATA, the 2010 Asia Pacific Travel Intentions Survey ‘was an online survey conducted by Nielsen in May 2010. The survey asked 6,714 respondents from 13 key Asia Pacific travel source markets (Australia, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Mainland China, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, the United Kingdom and the United States) about past and future travel plans. For each market, respondents were internet users, aged 18 years or above, had travelled internationally for holidays in the past two years or have the intention to do so in the next two years.
Top Reasons for Revisiting Thailand in the Next Two Years
Food and dining options 61 percent
Affordability 60 percent
Great shopping 54 percent
Great natural sceneries 54 percent
Culture 49 percent
Source: Visa-PATA Asia Pacific Travel Intentions Survey 2010
Somboon Krobteeranon, Country Manager, Thailand, Visa said: “Gastronomically, Thailand has so much to offer that visitors are truly spoilt for choice, making it almost impossible for them to resist a return trip to this country. Thailand offers diverse regional cuisines formed by indigenous cultures and foreign influences, and dishes range from the crowd pleasing Pad Thai and Pad Krapow to classic favorites like Tom Yam Kung and Som Tam.”
Beyond food, repeat travelers also enjoy its affordability as well as shopping, natural scenery and local culture. On average, respondents plan to spend more than US$1,200 for their next vacation and will pay more for good food, the opportunity to experience new cultures and exotic destinations.
Somboon said: “The fact that repeat visitors to Thailand are willing to set aside a large part of their travel budget on food means that there is a tremendous opportunity for the local tourism industry to create promotional activities around the unique flavors of Thailand to draw more visitors back.”
In support of Thailand’s tourism industry, the Visa Preferred Merchants program offers international cardholders discounts of up to 50 percent at 300 participating merchants across the country, including great offers on dining, retail and entertainment. Visa Infinite and Visa Signature cardholders also enjoy a selection of unique experiences and privileges, including a host of dining offers in some of Bangkok’s best-known restaurants.[1]
For more information on Visa’s various offers, visit www.visagoexplore.com.
For further media information, please contact:
Tanyawan Surasarang or Warangkana Plungsiri
Spark Communications
Tel: 02 653 2717-9
Email:
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[1] Discounts, unique experiences and privileges are subject to terms and conditions. Visa and participating merchants reserve the right to modify the discounts, unique experiences and privileges and applicable terms and conditions without prior notice.