Market Analysis

Overview
After the twin debacles of the SARS crisis and the Iraq war in 2003, visitor arrivals rebounded across the board in 2004. Now, due to the lingering effects of the tsunami, we seem destined to close 2005 with a virtual no-growth situation over last year.

Nevertheless, a detailed analysis of visitor profile in 2004 showed some interesting trends in Thailand's key markets, identifying strong growths in female visitors, convention delegates, business travellers, first-timers, young people and, in a few markets, retirees.

As tourism marketing becomes more niche-focussed, some of these segments show considerable promise for the years ahead.