The Thai government should not sacrifice its backpacker industry by focusing solely on high-end tourism, a leading industry figure has said.
Speaking at a seminar run by the Bangkok Bank, Victor Pang, vice-president for development at the hotel chain Accord, said that the backpacking industry was still making a significant contribution to the Thai economy and shouldn't be ignored, the Bangkok Post reported.
Thailand has discovered the luxury-end tourism market, recently hosting a five-day event in the month of May called Gourmet Asia, to showcase the country's important culinary contributions.
Designed to showcase Bangkok as a culinary capital for gastronomers, the event featured everything from local delicacies such as mango mousse to dishes from around Asia.
But Mr Pang advised the Thai government to keep an eye on its backpacker industry, which has recently seen a 20 per cent year-on-year growth.
"Backpackers today don't necessarily have long, unkempt hair, dirty clothes and little money. Now they are mostly smart, well educated and have greater resources to purchase goods at a reasonable price," Mr Pang added.
Whether a backpacker or a world gourmet, make sure you're covered while on holiday. Click
here or call for great value deals from
InsureandGo.