Thailand may be a well-known luxury holiday destination attracting a steady stream of visitors from all over the globe. However, it seems that the country is still growing in popularity as a tourist destination for UK visitors.

In the period from January to June 2013, Thailand welcomed more than 410,538 UK visitors, according to figures published by the Tourist Authority of Thailand (TAT). This represents an increase of just over 3% percent from the previous year.

So what is Thailand’s secret and why are many visitors deciding to return year after year?

The superb weather – First on the list of priorities for many travellers is a holiday with fantastic weather. Thailand benefits from a superb climate with average temperatures in the late 20s. In Phuket, March is the hottest month with an average temperature of 28.5°C (83.3°F), however average temperatures only drop to 27°C (80.6°F) in the coldest month of January. In recent years, British visitors, tempted by the balmy temperatures, have started coming to Thailand all year round rather than just in the winter months.

The high standard of accommodation –Thailand boasts some truly high end accommodation including a selection of superb luxury resorts and hotels in Phuket. An example is the fantastic Twin Sands Hotel and Spa located in a spectacular peninsula setting minutes from Patong. Twin Sands offers all the five-star facilities and services you would expect from a world-class resort including a range of dining options, a wellbeing spa, fitness centre and infinity pool . All the 45 suites are finished to the highest standard and offer breath-taking sea views.

Absolute-Twin-Sands-Resort-&-Spa-Phuket

Image Twin Sands Hotel and Spa | Credit http://www.absoluteworld.com/press/

The beautiful beaches and scenery – Think of your classic postcode of a tropical beach and you will be able to find numerous examples all over Thailand. The beautiful sands of Thailand were made famous by Danny Boyle’s 2000 film, ‘The Beach’, featuring Koh Phi Phi Island and there is little doubt that the country offers some of the best tropical paradises in the world. Honeymooners are also frequently drawn by Thailand’s raw beauty which provides the perfect backdrop for the ideal romantic getaway.

The cuisine – Thailand is famous for its excellent cuisine which is popular across the globe. Whilst Thai Food is recreated in restaurants around the world, there is nothing like the real thing, cooked with the freshest local ingredients. Thai food is also considered to be extremely healthy with those on spa and wellness holidays often viewing the cuisine as an ideal accompaniment to their stay.

Flexible Travel and Holiday Options – Air travel to Thailand is now easier and more readily available than ever before with 26 direct scheduled flights per week between Bangkok and London. Furthermore, a variety of different packages and options are available for visitors to Thailand including destination club holidays with high standards of service. Clubs such as the Absolute Vacation Club take the hassle out of organising your time away and provide flexible itineraries and payment options as well as host of other member benefits.

Overall, the figures reveal that UK tourists are not only visiting Thailand in greater numbers but also staying longer and frequently returning. It seems that once visitors have experienced this beautiful county, the charm and sheer beauty draws them back.