Thais plan to travel more and spend more – and using technology and gadgets to stay connected on trips is now a top priority.
Visa’s latest study has revealed affluent Thai travellers apparently do not “switch off” when on holiday.
It also says affluent Thais spend heavily on retail shopping (33 per cent), dining (22 per cent) and activities (19 per cent).
Spending is significantly higher than the global average at medium and large retailers, high-end restaurants and on entertainment and nightlife. When paying, 93 per cent use payment cards to make purchases – well above the global average of 40 per cent.
Affluent Thais took up to four trips in the past two years and prefer to travel with family members. Most said they made the most of weekends, or public holidays, by taking short vacations of three to four nights (40 per cent) to short haul destinations (49 per cent).
They also prefer luxury, with a high percentage purchasing first class and business class flights and booking accommodation in luxury hotels of four stars and above.
“The new tide of affluent Thai travellers is bolder in their choices and demand a sense of adventure and personalised experiences to meet their individual interests,” said Somboon Krobteeranon, Visa country manager, Myanmar and Thailand.
“Thai travellers seek wallet friendly locations, good weather, and attractions. They are also more likely to spend on travel and holidays and have increased spending power – even planning to triple their current expenditure on their next trip.”
