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Thailand Neglecting Budget Travelers

Some travel trend watchers are claiming the era of the dread-locked, tattooed, unkempt, stoned, smelly, and penny pitching backpacker is over. They say these one time hippie marauders are growing in numbers and have a growing pile of expendable cash, a far different reality to the typical backpacker stereotype. Over or not, Thailand seems hell bent on shinning its famous smile on the high end travelers over the budget backpackers. Neglecting this expanding population, they say, will only cost the Land of Smiles much needed tourist income for its faltering economy. During the last few years, Thailand has been trying to shift its tourist market to travelers with big bucks. But this change in strategy is ignoring some very important people. Budget travelers not only come in greater numbers, but put money into a greater numbers of pockets. They dont stay at international hotels, but mom and pop guest houses. They dont eat at international food chains, but at food stalls and local eateries. Their travel habits put cash directly into the pockets of the local population. Its about time Thailand paid attention to a very valued customer. One time budget backpacker, Maxwell Book gives the topic the attention it deserves in his latest podcast from News Talk Asia. News Talk Asia, pod casting and talk radio from Asia. Click, listen, and leave your comments below, or email Max at MaxwellBook@gmail.com.File Download (5:06 min / 2 MB)
(add to wire) News Talk Asia.com
on Jun 17, 07

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