Visa has released its latest study, revealing the top 2024 spending trends among tourists in Thailand. Thailand, a global tourism hotspot, stands out as a key market. As international travel rebounds, understanding these patterns becomes crucial for businesses and governments aiming to cater to modern travelers.
Visa key spending trends
According to Visa, tourists from the following countries spent the most: the US, Singapore, China, the UK, and Japan.
The report highlighted several fascinating trends in how tourists spend during their travels. Specifically, accommodation, shopping, dining, and healthcare topped the list of priorities. Unsurprisingly, digital payments have continued to rise in popularity, with many travelers favoring convenience over cash.
Travelers from China and Singapore allocated 25 and 18 percent respectively of their money to shopping. Meanwhile, Japanese tourists spent 22 percent of their money on food.
On the other hand, visitors from the United Kingdom spent 37 percent of their funds to premier accommodations.
“These spending analyses offer unprecedented insights into the spending behaviors of international travelers, allowing us to deepen engagement, uplift spending, and elevate Thailand’s tourism industry to new heights,” said Punnamas Vichitkulwongsa, Country Manager for Visa Thailand.
Most popular destinations
Among Thailand’s key tourist destinations, Bangkok, Phuket, Samutprakarn, Chonburi, and Surat Thani were the most popular. Interestingly, spending grew the most for Surat Thani, increasing by 30 percent.
“For example, travelers from the United States allocate over a quarter of their expenditures to accommodation, with healthcare-related expenses accounting for more than 10 percent. This type of insight could empower our partners and local businesses to identify new opportunities and thrive.”
Notably, Visa card transactions by tourists in Thailand surged by 90% this year versus in 2019. This remarkable growth reflects both increasing travel demand and the ease of cashless transactions.
Thailand’s role in global travel
Thailand remains a favorite destination for tourists, contributing significantly to global spending trends. Known for its stunning beaches, rich culture, and vibrant cities, it attracts millions of visitors annually. In 2024, tourists are spending more on premium experiences, such as fine dining and luxury accommodations. Adventure tours and wellness retreats are also seeing rising interest.
To support these changes, both the Thai government and the private sector are investing in infrastructure upgrades. Efforts include expanding digital payment networks, streamlining tourist services, and offering incentives for sustainable travel. Visa’s study emphasizes that these initiatives align perfectly with evolving traveler preferences.
What’s ahead for Visa
Visa-free travel policies have also boosted spending in key markets. Tourists are taking advantage of simplified entry processes, resulting in longer stays and higher expenditure. Furthermore, tech-savvy travelers are driving the adoption of contactless and cashless payments, making their trips more convenient.
160 countries use over 1.4 billion Visa credit cards, including 10 million from Thailand. Tourists can enjoy using their Visa cards at 400,000 stores in the country.
With its commitment to enhancing travelers’ experience, Visa recently signed a memorandum of understanding with the Tourism Authority of Thailand. Through the partnership, Visa hopes to use advanced data insights and expand its digital payment acceptance.
