Thailand Travel Update

03 Dec 2010 2151 | World Travel News

Six months after political protests rocked the nation, Thailand offers travelers numerous opportunities for a safe and unique adventure. Many hotels – even at the luxury level – are offering compelling incentives. The tourism industry has embarked on a genuine campaign to embrace Western tourists and calm concerns about traveling in the country. According to the Kasikorn Reseach Center, foreign tourist confidence has rapidly restored since the protests last Spring and foreign visitors are expected to increase throughout this year by 10 per cent to at least 15.5 million.

“Thailand has a quiet softness at the moment that reminds one of traveling here 15 years ago,” says Daniel Fraser, co-founder of Smiling Albino, a luxury adventure travel operator with operations in Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and Nepal. Fraser, who has served as a tourism Ambassador for the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), says that though Thailand’s long political differences have been part of life for decades, the country is largely back to normal. This means that many would-be travelers can find outstanding deals in Thailand right now and during the upcoming peak travel season.

Fraser has been instrumental in organizing hundreds of trips throughout the region over the past ten years and has spoken widely about international tourism at professional associations. In cooperation with the TAT, Fraser hosted a recent TV video series showcasing candid interviews with locals, expats, tourists and others about their experiences in Thailand during the demonstrations.

Source=travpr