Suche
Mein Konto
Thailand vs. Vietnam: Who will win the tourism war?
Thailand is under pressure from Vietnam in the tourism rankings, while there is a lack of creative approaches. New attractions and better infrastructure are crucial.
Thailand vs. Vietnam: Who will win the tourism war?
Thailand's tourism faces exciting challenges and great opportunities at the same time. The popular YouTuber ศุภกาญจน์ จริยพิเชษฐ์, operator of the channel Gap.bumseeker, recently addressed the perception of the country among foreign travelers. When you think of Thailand, places like Phuket or Pattaya immediately come to mind. But the competition never sleeps, especially not in the form of Vietnam, which is increasingly seen as a serious competitor in tourism.
How is Thailand perceived by travelers? Many say the kingdom clings to old images and lacks fresh, creative approaches. Vietnam in particular has created new tourist attractions that, even if they are not always authentic, still appeal to many. The new experiences that are created are key to making destinations attractive to tourists.
The challenges in tourism
Thailand could benefit from developing unique attractions in so-called “secondary cities” rather than just focusing on Bangkok. This would be an important step to stand out from the strong competition from China and Japan. China's well-developed infrastructure and affordable, high-quality hotels often make traveling there cheaper. The Chinese government's support of domestic tourism is also reflected in lower travel costs.
While Thailand currently records 35.6 million international arrivals in 2024, Vietnam has achieved an impressive 38.9% year-on-year increase with 17.5 million visitors in the same year. Vietnam is forecast to be heading towards 23 million arrivals by 2025 and aims to overtake Thailand by 2030. These figures highlight the growing pressure on Thailand to build on its existing strengths.
Infrastructure and security in focus
How Suvita Charanwong, CEO of Tellscore, emphasizes that improving infrastructure and operations in Thailand is essential to compete with neighbors Japan and China. These countries offer a variety of events and have created an excellent tourist infrastructure. Communication about Thailand is of great importance; Positive perceptions should be promoted, particularly with regard to safety and offers for LGBT travelers, in order to counteract misinformation on social media.
Thai cuisine and cultural heritage are key points in tourism. However, as Thailand struggles with challenges such as overcrowding and environmental issues, the strategy needs to focus beyond attractions on sustainable tourism development.
Thailand remains a fascinating and diverse country in Southeast Asia. With a population of around 66 million and an area of approximately 513,115 km², the country has a lot to offer. The official language is Thai, while Theravada Buddhism shapes the majority of cultural practices. Thai cuisine is internationally renowned and Muay Thai is considered the national sport, with football and volleyball also having many fans. Originally known as Siam, Thailand has shaped its identity through a rich history and cultural diversity.
In conclusion, Thailand needs to make better use of its unique resources to not only stay ahead but also reach new heights in competition with emerging destinations like Vietnam. The future of Thai tourism depends not only on its beautiful beaches and historic heritage, but also on the ability to tell new stories and create innovative experiences.