Bangkok came top in three various awards since the beginning of the year. An opportunity for Bangkok to celebrate and for its governor, MR Sukhumbhand Paribatra to reaffirm the commitment of Bangkok to promote world tourism.
BANGKOK – Is 2013 the year of tourism consecration for Bangkok? Thailand’s capital is already a very popular destination with over 18 million travellers (2011 figures) of which 13 million were foreigners. Bangkok is recognized as a primary destination for shopping, food, entertainment, culture but also an excellent value for money. “And we must add also Bangkok people, certainly the best asset of our city”, explained during a celebration party at Suan Pakhad Museum Bangkok Governor MR Sukhumbhand Paribatra.
This year Conde Nast Traveler’s readers voted Bangkok as their fourth most favourite city around the world and their first choice for Asia. Early July, Mastercard revelead then that Bangkok became the world’s most visited city in 2012. The Thai capital tops indeed Mastercard Global Destination Cities Index, the first Asian city to do so. It had 15.98 million international visitors who spent at least one night. London tracks closely Bangkok with 15.96 million international visitors.
And finally TripAdvisor, the world’s largest travel site, revealed also in July the winners of its 2013 Travellers’ Choice Destinations awards. The fifth annual awards recognises 412 outstanding destinations in 38 markets across the globe, including lists for Africa, Asia, Australia, the Caribbean, Central America, China, Europe, India, Mexico, the Middle East, South America, the South Pacific, and the United States. The Travellers’ Choice Destinations awards honour top travel spots worldwide based on millions of reviews and opinions from TripAdvisor travellers. While Bangkok ranked 13 over 412 destinations across the Globe, the city was also number 1 in Asia.
Will then Bangkok rest now on its laurels? “To be nominated the best city in the world is indeed an achievement. But it is also a challenge as we will have to strive to continue to be among the best. We will do anything possible to be sure that Bangkok’s welcome to all travellers remain at its utmost by offering the best quality of service. We are ready to take the challenge”, explained Bangkok Governor.
New initiatives in tourism will be developed over the coming months. The governor talked about the expansion of a free bike scheme all over the city; the possibility to organize a proper gay pride; or the development of new cultural trails in town to let travellers discovering some of Bangkok’s local communities. Bangkok can offer something to anyone and it will prove it over the months to come.
Luc Citrinot a French national is a freelance journalist and consultant in tourism and air transport with over 20 years experience. Based in Paris and Bangkok, he works for various travel and air transport trade publications in Europe and Asia.
