Tourism development in Chiang Mai
Before the SEA Games, which were held in Chiang Mai in 1993, the tourism
industry in Chiang Mai grew at an average 9.9% per year. During the period 1997-2003
(before SARS) the growth rate slowed to an average annual rate of 2.5%. However,
after 2003, improvements in tourist attractions – including the addition of a panda at the
Chiang Mai Zoo, the Night Safari, and the Royal Flora Exhibition – all helped boost
tourism. The rate dropped again in 2007 (4.2%) when foreign tourists fell 14.4% and
Thai visitors only marginally increased (1.8%). The fall in tourist arrivals was seen as
normal after the large boost created by the temporary Royal Flora Exhibition, which
had closed. Abnormally bad air pollution in Chiang Mai that year was another
contributing factor. The recent arrival of a baby panda has provided a new tourist
attraction in Chiang Mai, boosting the number of weekend Thai tourists.