Thanakarn Vongvisitsin.. Travel preferences of Russian tourists for tourist activity participation in Thailand. Master's Degree(Tourism and Hospitality Management). Mahidol University. Mahidol University Library and Knowledge Center. : Mahidol University, 2013.
Travel preferences of Russian tourists for tourist activity participation in Thailand
Abstract:
The Russian travel market continuously displays the high growth of foreign travel markets and possesses the highest demand among European travelers in Thailand. However, research related to the travel behavior of this market is still limited. This exploratory research aims to investigate Russian tourists travel preferences in Thailand. The study adopts a mixed research method by conducting both in-depth interviews with professional Russian-speaking tourist guides and a questionnaire completed by Russian tourists in Pattaya. The findings show that Russian tourists prefer nature-based tourist activities, particularly swimming, relaxing on the beaches, watching animal shows, and fishing. Also, they prefer watching cultural performances, participating in festive events, and leisure activities in theme parks. Furthermore, Russian tourists prefer shopping for low-priced products, consuming alcohol, and participating in nightlife-entertainment activities. Importantly, this study reveals that Russian tourists are greatly fond of Thai massage and spas, even though they still have not been well promoted. Additionally, Buddhist meditation practice is regarded as a potential tourist activity to attract Russian tourists of special interest. The results provide useful guidelines for tourism practitioners in developing marketing strategies and tourist activities to effectively cater to the preferences of Russian tourists in Thailand.
Mahidol University. Mahidol University Library and Knowledge Center