Happy New Year 2008

Pattaya has had an impressive rise to become the tourism hotspot of South East Asia. Each year Pattaya acquires dissimilar appearances plus modes on its passage of consistent discovery and although a few dim times cast a minor gloominess, Pattaya has fully fledged into a self-determining well regarded entity. Though there have been some disquieting times for Thailand as a whole, Pattaya goes all-out with its appeal to a much wider audience who visit the destination for pleasure and business. Hotels, restaurants and infrastructure are improving and functioning towards a collective goal in gratifying the growing need of Pattaya and those who visit. It is evolving with shopping plazas, restaurants, bars and a variety of retail outlets amid its focus towards the high-end, modish structures. Pattaya does what it does best in being constantly different and confidence will always ease its way back into the community despite any shortfalls.

Additionally, it can be noted that Pattaya has the ability and will persist in being able to secure tranquility in the city for the long haul. Protection measures are not being compromised with the system of CCTV cameras in the Pattaya and Jomtien areas. The resolute effort in using military and police over a period has had a remarkable effect, predominantly in reduction of the number of snatch-and-run thefts and catching perpetrators speedily when thefts did take place. This has led to tourists and residents being extremely approving, claiming they feel safer when they see police and military on patrol. Furthermore, the mixed presences with uniformed and volunteer police, who have also worked exceptionally hard to provide support, have been instrumental in crime reduction. In efforts to aid officers in performing their duties more efficiently and in dealing with foreigners, English training has been given to Pattaya police. As can be seen, Pattaya has been functioning towards and will consistently grant services as well as security for visitors amid maintaining its stance as a major tourist attraction.

Transportation on Pattaya is vast with numerous options and the Beach Bus is one of them. They look to the New Year with the provision of new services. Moreover, the optimism of an upward trend of attracting more passengers to use the service is high. A new line, which is the Yellow line, is alleged to commence its run during the first quarter of the year and the number of buses is to be increased to 17 buses. The ticket can also be used to acquire discounts on attractions comprising of Ripley's Believe It or Not, Underwater World, Mini Siam and Tiffany's...who knows what else they might add on to this current list of attractions in the upcoming year.

Unlike other beach resorts where natural surroundings are used as magnets to attract tourists, Pattaya puts together an all-out attempt in providing the best of everything. The whole lot here encompasses a wide array of things that a tourist can think of while on holiday: recreation, entertainment, sports, sightseeing and lots of fun. It is a paradise destination that has a multiplicity of attractions suitable for all types of visitors; you can fill your day from dusk to dawn with endless activities or you may choose to simply relax.

It is eminent by the THA-EC that hotel rooms in Pattaya are going to become more pricey next year subsequent to a pronouncement by THA-EC (Thai Hotel Association – Eastern Chapter) to raise room rates, intended towards an upper end of the tourism market. This is moderately due to the unearthing that prices were lagging behind those contending Asian destinations. A key promotional campaign is to be carried out by the THA-EC for the ITB, a prevalent international event in the tourism industry calendar to be held in Berlin on February 2008. The chief focus will be on the quality end of the tourism market with explicit expansion purposes in that sector.

This year resulted in the city lagging behind in revenue and representation, due to competition from other neighboring Asian destinations along with hotel owners and operators in Pattaya keeping their rates low to exert a pull on a large number of visitors. Conversely, there is an upbeat turnaround expected in 2008 as Pattaya will persist with its focal point on the number of its appeal, well-developed conveniences and strategize on prospect and long-term development programs for the city.

The advertising resources and provision of information is set to increase in 2008 for the domestic markets as well as abroad. For instance, overseas promotions will include Russia, the Middle East, India and Japan in particular. What’s more, the promotional campaign aimed at the Thai domestic market will be sited at the forefront for Thai tourists; the core motive behind their visits to Pattaya still reveals the beach and sea.

Pattaya will persist in being a premier and successful beach resort in 2008 attracting hundreds of thousands of pleasure-seeking guests. It incorporates the enchantment of a beach resort, city-like dining, shopping and night entertainment conveniences with an assortment of hotels, shops, restaurants and bars. In addition, there are arrays of sport and recreational activities to keep you occupied and satisfied day-and-night.

With the gracious and hospitable Thai nature boosting its promotions, Pattaya will always repeatedly bring back visitors and constantly increase the number of newcomers. As a vibrant city, it displays fusion of nationalities, cultures and influences. The city has nurtured itself as a tourist destination for decades and will continually do so amid being host to an array of tourism related activities. It can be safely mentioned that a tourist to Pattaya is never short of enjoyment and this same trend will continue all the way through in 2008.

From the sounds of what is mapped out for Pattaya in 2008, we all should be looking forward to a bright and fruitful year ahead... Wishing you all a Happy New Year 2008!