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Currently, the service industry has influenced to the world economy (Baidai, 2004). Evidence has shown that a dramatic recent trend in the global economy has been changing from traditional productions to the service sector (Page, 2012). The impact of the service industry is significantly improved not only the global economy (Veronneau and Roy, 2009) but the economy in South-East Asia, especially in Thailand (Piboonrungroj & Disney, 2009). The service sector in Thailand contributes the most to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Thailand comparing to other areas. As of structure of Thailand's GDP, the service sector contributes with 49.9% of Thailand’ GDP (World Bank, 2014). Regarding the service industry, tourism industry plays a crucial role that can efficiently generate the overall incomes. That is because Thailand has a lot of invaluable attractions; for example, the historical resources, and the ancient tradition and cultures. Based on these historical natural resources, the major inbound markets of international tourists traveling to Thailand has been rising to almost 15 million visitors a year (World Bank, 2014).
The main characteristic of tourism business transactions is a process of delivering services regarding a combination of travel products such as package tours (Zhang et al., 2009; Lee et al., 2013). These products, which can be purchased individually, are put together by a tour operator who uses the advantage of economic of scale to offer the mixed product for a lower price than be purchased separately (Yamamoto & Gill, 1999). The popularity of tourism package arises for several reasons. First, a convenience for tourists. Second, the guarantee of security and safety. Third, tourists can easily view the targeting of destinations where a majority of tourist are often going (Lee et al., 2013; Yamamoto & Gill, 1999). Fourth, an affordable price of packages products (Rewtrakunphaiboon & Oppewal, 2008). Last, the most significant advantage is a time-saving process (Lee et al., 2013).
Although package tours have several advantages, the current market of tour operators still have some issues to face the fact due to a dynamic and complex personal preference of tourist (Taylor, 1996). A traditional tour package cannot deal with such situation effectively because a regular package tour is rigid, standardized and less flexible for tourists' personal interests (Poon, 1993). This disadvantage mentioned is becoming more and more apparent as the society is developing (Lee et al., 2013). Evans and Stabler (1995) suggests that if package tour is less flexible and customized, tour operators are not able to maintain their popularity in the future.