Online accommodation website wotif.com received more bookings than ever for Thailand properties during 2007 with the country overtaking Singapore and Hong Kong to take first place on the list of top Asian countries for the year, according to statistics taken from all bookings made through Wotif.com during 2007.

Market Manager for Thailand Korakot Kanchanapairoj said,"Wotif.com's increased range of accommodation, rising consumer confidence in booking online, frequent promotions from low cost airlines and increased airline capacity has helped Thailand grow in terms of sales during 2007.

Bookings increased for Asia overall aided by Asian travellers discovering and becoming regular users of Wotif.com for their intra-Asia travel as well as their international travel," he added.

Top Asian countries 2007

1. Thailand


2. Singapore


3. Hong Kong


4. Malaysia


5. China

Bangkok topped the list of Thailand destinations, with Phuket taking a proud second place.

"The first half of the list in the top Thailand destinations holds no surprises, as all of these destinations are traditionally very popular with leisure and business travellers.

"However I'm confident the destinations in the second half of the list will experience strong growth in the future, particularly destinations like Khao Lak with its close proximity to Phuket and increasing number of exclusive beachfront properties," said Kanchanapairoj.

Top Thailand destinations

1. Bangkok


2. Phuket


3. Koh Samui


4. Chiang Mai


5. Pattaya

Top Asian Cities 2007

Singapore and Hong Kong both performed strongly, taking first and second place respectively in the list of top Asian cities and second and third in the top Asian countries booked through Wotif.com.

Kuala Lumpur and Bali both moved up a spot from last year and Ho Chi Minh City made it into the list of top cities for the first time.

"Improved access to Asian countries from countries such as Australia has seen some traditional stopover locations become popular holiday spots. Lesser-known Asian cities have also increasingly become popular destinations due to improved intra-regional connections within Asia," said Kanchanapairoj.

Phuket has also taken its place in the list of the top Asian cities for the same year.

Top Asian cities 2007

1. Singapore


2. Hong Kong


3. Bangkok


4. Kuala Lumpur


5. Phuket

"We now have staff based in Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, China, Indonesia and Vietnam who maintain positive relationships with local hotels and ensure that we offer our consumers the best deals," said Kanchanapairoj.

"Wotif.com is the number one accommodation website in Australia and New Zealand and many of those bookings are from Australasia. However, Wotif.com is increasingly popular with Asian bookers, particularly those in Singapore and Malaysia who make a lot of Thailand bookings through our site," Kanchanapairoj told the Phuket Post.

"Thailand has always been popular with business and leisure travellers in Asia and Australasia. The beautiful beaches, friendly locals and great weather makes it the perfect destination for travellers seeking a relaxing break. Thailand also offers a vibrant nightlife, great shopping and wonderful dining. Bangkok is also a major hub for business travellers."