As global tourism rebounds in 2024, Thailand continues to shine as a top destination for international travellers. Visa, the global leader in digital payments, has revealed compelling insights into the spending habits of inbound tourists during the first half of the year, providing a window into the driving forces behind the Kingdom’s thriving tourism industry.
The data, gathered from foreign-issued Visa cards used at local merchants between January and June 2024, identifies the United States, Singapore, China, the United Kingdom, and Japan as the top contributors to Thailand’s tourism economy. Travelers from these countries collectively propelled spending across critical categories, including accommodation, retail goods, dining, apparel and accessories, and healthcare services.
Decoding Traveler Spending Habits
Visa’s analysis delves deeper into the spending patterns of tourists, revealing distinct priorities based on nationality:
- United States: Travelers from the U.S. allocated over 25% of their spending to premium accommodations. In comparison, healthcare expenses accounted for more than 10%—a notable figure reflecting Thailand’s medical tourism reputation.
- China and Singapore: Shopping topped the list for visitors from Mainland China and Singapore, with retail purchases consuming 25% and 18% of their respective budgets.
- Japan: Japanese tourists strongly preferred dining, dedicating 22% of their total expenditures to restaurants.
- United Kingdom: UK travellers demonstrated a particular penchant for luxury stays, directing 37% of their spending to accommodations.
“These insights are invaluable in shaping the future of Thailand’s tourism industry,” said Punnamas Vichitkulwongsa, Country Manager for Visa Thailand. “Understanding the diverse spending behaviors of international visitors empowers businesses to tap into new opportunities and elevate their offerings, ultimately enhancing the visitor experience and boosting economic growth.”
Spotlight on Thailand’s Top Destinations
Visa’s report also highlights the provinces that benefited most from international spending. Bangkok leads the charge, followed by Phuket, Samutprakarn, Chonburi, and Surat Thani. Notably, Surat Thani saw a remarkable 30% growth in spending, likely driven by the increasing allure of Koh Samui’s pristine beaches and luxury resorts.
Fostering Sustainable Tourism Growth
In a strategic move to sustain and enhance Thailand’s position as a global travel hub, Visa recently inked a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). The partnership aims to harness advanced data analytics and expand digital payment solutions to create seamless visitor travel experiences.
“Our collaboration with TAT is rooted in a shared vision of fostering sustainable tourism growth,” Vichitkulwongsa stated. “By leveraging data-driven insights, we’re enabling local businesses to thrive and ensuring that Thailand remains a preferred destination for years to come.”
A Blueprint for the Future
Visa’s findings provide actionable intelligence for stakeholders across Thailand’s tourism ecosystem, from hoteliers and retailers to government agencies. With the continued rise of digital payments and data-driven strategies, the nation is well-positioned to adapt to evolving traveller preferences and cement its reputation as a world-class travel destination.
For more information on Visa’s initiatives and tourism partnerships, visit Visa Thailand.
Written by: Supaporn Pholrach
