Thai overseas spending set to rise: study
Thai travellers’ spending is expected to see the largest jump compared to the Asian and global average when it comes to the amount of money intended to spend for the next trip, according to Visa’s Global Travel Intentions Study.
It examines international travel trends and behaviour of 17,500 travellers from 27 countries.
Thais are expected to leapfrog Asian and global travellers in terms of overseas spending for the next trip with 50 per cent increase, compared to Asia Pacific counterparts (46 per cent) and global travellers (36 per cent). The average Thai traveller spends US$1,500 per trip and that is expected to increase to US$2,250 for future travel, according to respondents. Average Asia Pacific and global travellers spent higher on average at US$1,680 and US$1,800 respectively.
Suripong Tantiyanon of Visa Thailand said: “From our conversation with different players in the tourism industry, an increase in intended spending of Thai travellers can be attributed to the fact that there are more financial products today than ever before. They are more sophisticated and better suited to travellers’ needs, with added benefits and privileges. As a result, Thai travellers are more confident and willing to spend more.”
The use of digital wallets is fast emerging, with a quarter of Thai travellers having used one at their destination, the study said. Solo and “ leisure" (business and leisure) travellers, in particular, are the heaviest users of digital wallets at 41 per cent.
