The most value for money destination

Thailand News - Horizons - Thursday December 06, 2007

TRAVEL TITBITS

The most value for money destination

KARNAJAN KARNAJANTAWE

Thailand has been rated as the leading 'Value for Money' country by the 2007 Country Brand Index (CBI).

The Index rates Thailand as one of the most affordable destinations in the world which also boasts an authentic culture (which is also rated as top five from this study), excellent beaches and world-class nightlife (just behind Spain, the United States and Brazil.)

"Thailand provides the most for your money," concludes the CBI report. Other countries in its top two to 10 positions are Hungary, the Czech Republic, Mexico, Vietnam, the Philippines, Turkey, Egypt, Indonesia and India.

Conducted by FutureBrand and PR firm Weber Shandwicks Global Travel & Lifestyle Practice, this is the third year the CBI has provided a branding study that includes rankings, trends and travel motives of tourists around the world.

Over 2,600 international travellers participated in the study which aims to examine how countries are branded and ranked according to key criteria.

There are 22 categories including Authenticity (lead by New Zealand), History (Egypt), Art & Culture (Italy), Resort and Lodging Options (United Arab Emirates), Families (Denmark), Outdoor Activities/Sports (Australia), Beaches (Maldives), Natural Beauty (New Zealand), Environment (Sweden), Rest & Relaxation (Maldives), Safety (New Zealand), Rising Star (Croatia), Value For Money (Thailand), Fine Dining (France), Shopping (the US), Nightlife (Spain), Friendly Locals (Australia), Most Like to Live In (Canada), Ideal for Business (the US), Easiest to Do Business In (the US), Extend a Business Trip (the US), and Conferences (the US yet again).

Thailand is ranked fifth in the 'Friendly Locals' category after Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Ireland and also holds the same position in the 'Extend a Business Trip' category.

It is also in ninth position in the Shopping category after the United States, United Arab Emirates, Singapore, Italy, Japan, France, the United Kingdom and Canada.

For more information, visit http://www.countrybrandindex.com.

Korea plans new budget airline

Korean Air has set aside a budget of US$ 21.56 million (780 million baht) to set up its new low-cost airline.

Tentatively named Air Korea, the new venture is expected to start operating in May next year.

Air Korea will use Incheon International Airport as its base airport to fly to China, Japan (except Tokyo), Thailand and Malaysia. Air Korea will secure three Airbus 300s and two Boeing 737s. Aircraft maintenance and operation training will be outsourced to Korean Air, which has nearly 40 years of experience in the field.

Low-cost flights to Chiang Mai

One Two Go, the low-cost airline, has increased its flights between Don Muang and Chiang Mai airports to nine a day to meet increased demand during the cool season.

The airline also offers a 50% discount if a passenger experiences a delay of more than two hours. But the discount can be used only for the next purchase and the offer excludes delays caused by natural disasters.

For more information, visit http://www.fly12go.com.

Pattaya to hold balloon festival

The Royal Thai Army Sports Centre, in cooperation with the Sport Flying Association (Thailand ), is organising the Pattaya International Balloon Fiesta 2007 between Dec 8-12 at Thammasat University, Pattaya Centre in Chon Buri.

The fiesta features 30 colourful hot air balloons, many in fantastic shapes, from different countries in Europe and Asia.

Visitors will be able to see fantasy balloons such as a Cake Balloon, Elephant Balloon, and various cartoon figures from France, Britain, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines as well as Belgium and Dubai.

Entry to the event is free. For more information, call 02-682-9880 or visit http://www.pattayaballoonfiesta.com.

If you have comments or news to share, email karnjanak@bangkokpost.co.th

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