By Thailand’s tourism sector, which has been recovering from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, has seen a remarkable growth in tourist spending on street food and hotels, according to a survey by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). The survey, which involved 30,054 tourists in 2023, revealed that the average spending per trip rose to 50,900 baht, more than previous years.
The survey showed a shift in dining preferences among tourists, with an increase in those opting for street food, rising from 63% to 77.3%. This change has led to a decrease in the average spending on food and beverage to 4,094 baht, down from 5,875 baht in 2019. Street food, which offers a variety of dishes at affordable prices, has become a popular choice for tourists who want to experience the local culture and cuisine.
Another new trend that has emerged among tourists is café hopping, which involves visiting different cafés and trying out their coffee and desserts. Café hopping has increased in popularity among tourists, especially among young and female travelers. The survey found that 38.7% of tourists visited cafés during their trip, up from 28.9% in 2019.
Hotel Spending: A Preference for Luxury and Comfort
The survey also highlighted a remarkable increase in tourist spending on accommodation, which now averages 23,518 baht per trip, a significant rise from pre-pandemic figures. The survey attributed this increase to the higher demand for luxury and comfort among tourists, who are willing to pay more for premium hotels or resorts. The survey also found that tourists prefer to book their accommodation online, with 53.7% of individual travelers using online platforms for trip arrangements.
The survey also observed spending patterns among different nationalities, with tourists from the Middle East being the biggest spenders, followed by visitors from Oceania, the US, and Europe. The survey also noted that tourists from China, India, and Japan are the most frequent visitors to Thailand, accounting for 38.4% of the total arrivals in 2023.
Thailand: A Destination of Choice for Post-Pandemic Travel
The survey results indicate that Thailand remains a destination of choice for post-pandemic travel, as it offers a range of attractions and activities for tourists of different tastes and budgets. The survey also showed that tourists are satisfied with their travel experience in Thailand, with 94.8% of them rating it as good or excellent. The survey also revealed that tourists are impressed by the hospitality and friendliness of the Thai people, the cleanliness and safety of the country, and the diversity and richness of the culture and nature.
The TAT, which conducted the survey as part of its digital strategy, plans to use the data and insights to improve its marketing and promotion efforts, and to target potential tourists through social media platforms. The TAT also aims to collaborate with influencers and partners to showcase Thailand’s destinations and activities, and to inspire inclusion and diversity among travelers.