Nostalgia tourism grows in Thailand

[Admin]

Nostalgia tourism grows in Thailand 
The Nation: 11 Dec 2009
Nostalgia tourism takes root in Thailand
By SUCHAT SRITAMA
THE NATION

"Nostalgia tourism" is an emerging trend encouraging locals and foreigners alike to explore Thai history and ways of life.

"Nostalgia is growing in Thailand. Locals want to get in touch with their past, their history. This trend is already well established in some European countries, but it's new here," said Vichai Bandasak, mayor of Pak Kret municipality in Nonthaburi province.

At a recent seminar, Chisong Churit, the Tourism Authority of Thailand's central-region director, said many tourists wanted to see older attractions, especially temples, historic sites and local ways of life.

Vichai pointed out the word "nostalgia" came from Greek via Latin and basically meant "a return home".

Many tour operators in Thailand are incorporating this theme into their packages.

"As well, Pak Kret district is working to design a new one-day trip for those visiting Muang Thong Thani on business. We're also spending money to improve attractions," Vichai said.

The municipality has targeted 50,000 visitors next year.

Pak Kret claims to be the first community near Bangkok to promote itself as a nostalgia destination, and the municipality is working with private operators to promote its highlights, such as a floating market, temples and the ways of life of three different peoples: Thai, Mon and Chinese.

Wat Suthiwararam's Phra Maha Suthi Abhako, the lead researcher for a report entitled "How to Develop Temples as a Tourist Destination in Bangkok", said the study found among recent university graduates, more females than males liked to visit temples. On the other hand, among foreigners, more males were likely to visit temples than females.

The researchers surveyed 800 random informants at nine temples in Bangkok.

He said among foreigners, Wat Pho was the most popular temple in Bangkok, welcoming 8.1 million visitors a year, ranking it No 24 among the world's most visited temples.

Wat Arun, the Temple of the Dawn, came in second with 5 million visitors a year.

"The number of temple visitors is expected to grow in the future," he said.

The study also found Bangkok was the top destination in Thailand, followed by Chiang Mai and Phuket.