Thailand has been named the world's Best Tourist Country by a leading Swedish magazine, marking its eighth consecutive year for winning the award, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) office in Stockholm, the Swedish capital.

Thai ambassador to Sweden Thanarat Thanaputt and TAT Stockholm office assistant director Anchalee Kumwong last week accepted the Best Tourist Country Award presented by the Swedish publication “Travel News” in its 2010 annual Grand Travel Award ceremony.

The kingdom was voted as this year’s winner from seven other nominated countries, Australia, Egypt, Italy, South Africa, Spain, Turkey, and the United States.

The Thai envoy said the country won the award because of its unique and wide-ranging tourist attractions.

Not only tropical environment—sun, sea and sand, but also various cultural and beautiful tourist destinations are the strength of Thailand’s tourism.

Due to the diversity of tourist attractions, tourists can experience the "3Vs" -- value for money, variety and very Thai (Thai-ness), while enjoying their holidays in Thailand, Mr Thanarat said.

Meanwhile, national flag carrier Thai Airways International (THAI) won a second place award for the Best International Flight in 2010. The annual Grand Travel Award ceremony, the Sweden’s largest travel-related event, has been held by Travel News, a leading Swedish travel publication since 1993.

The awards also feature other travel-related categories including tourist countries, airline and cruise services.