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Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Thailand sees slump in tourism despite ‘The White Lotus effect'
Thailand had set high expectations for how many tourists would flock to the country following the success of The White Lotus, yet government data shows the number of visitors is actually dropping. The Thai government said that its aim in 2025 was to return to pre-pandemic numbers with 39-40 million foreign tourists, following the 35 million the country welcomed in 2024. However, it turns out that even with 'The White Lotus effect' in play, which boosted Western visitors to the country off the back of the HBO dark comedy set in a luxury hotel, there has been a slump in visitor numbers so far this year. Foreign visitors to Thailand dropped for the fourth month in a row in May, declining 14 per cent to 2.6 million, government data seen by Bloomberg shows. May has experienced the greatest decline since 2021, when the Covid pandemic closed international borders, the media company said. The biggest slump came from travellers from other Asian countries, who make up the majority of Thailand's tourists. Regional arrivals from Asia fell nearly 11 per cent in May this year compared to 2024. Tourists from China make up the largest proportion of visitors to Thailand, but numbers have fallen by nearly one million so far this year versus 2024, Bloomberg found. The drop can be attributed to fears over scam centres on the Myanmar border. Arrivals fell 33 per cent after Chinese actor Wang Xing went missing in the Thai border city of Mae Sot, which has become a hub for trafficking people into Myanmar. Crime syndicates lure people under false pretences to work in scam centres in Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos, where they are forced to financially exploit people around the world. Other factors include a recent earthquake that reached Bangkok, which saw dozens die as a construction site collapsed. Flights booked between June and August show a 15 per cent decline from China compared to the same period last year. Meanwhile, hotel occupancy is forecast to fall to 52 per cent, largely steered by the Chinese visitor decline, according to a survey of 140 hotel operators within the Thai Hotel Association. Malaysia, Thailand's second biggest target market, has also dropped by 17 per cent so far this year. 'We have lost a lot tourists to other competing countries in Asia because we didn't tackle the negative images seriously,' Ratchaporn Poolsawadee, vice president of the Tourism Council of Thailand, told the company. 'Thailand's tourism is resilient, but this may take months to rebound.' Despite the slump in Asian tourists booking trips to Thailand, its tourist industry has found a silver lining in the peaked interest of Western visitors. Following the first few episodes of season three of The White Lotus, deputy government spokesperson Sasikarn Watthanachan said that Koh Samui had seen an overall 65 per cent increase in interest among US tourists compared to searches the previous year She added that online travel agency Agoda saw a 12 per cent surge in searches for accommodations on Koh Samui, and Koh Samui had also experienced a 40 per cent rise in luxury hotel bookings. The searches appear to have materialised into visits. Bloomberg said that government data shows US tourists in Thailand have risen by 12 per cent this year through May to more than 625,000, while European visitors have increased by nearly 18 per cent to 3 million in the same period compared to last year. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) told The Independent that there has been a 20 per cent increase in tourists from the UK between January and May compared to 2024, totalling up to over 512,000. It hopes to reach one million UK visitors by the end of 2025. 'With the decline in Chinese tourists, the sentiment from TAT is that European travellers are thriving and there are emerging markets too, which are exciting,' a TAT spokesperson said. 'It is also an opportunity for TAT to focus on attracting quality travellers over quantity - those who stay longer, spend more and delve deeper into Thailand and all it offers. The 60-day visa exemption is a draw to stay longer in Thailand, for example.'
Straits Times
3 days ago
- Straits Times
Even ‘White Lotus' buzz isn't reviving Thailand's tourism slump, as foreign arrivals fall again
Foreign arrivals dropped for the fourth straight month in May, slipping 14 per cent to 2.6 million. PHOTO: EPA-EFE Thailand's tourism outlook is in such doldrums that even the so-called 'White Lotus effect' – a temporary boost in Western visitors inspired by the latest Koh Samui-set season of HBO's hit show – has not been enough to offset a slump in arrivals from neighbouring countries. Foreign arrivals to Thailand dropped for the fourth straight month in May, slipping 14 per cent to 2.6 million, government data show. That is the country's longest streak of declines since 2021, when the Covid-19 pandemic closed international borders. The biggest drop came from travellers from other Asian countries, whose citizens make up the vast majority of tourists to Thailand. Regional arrivals fell nearly 11 per cent this year through May, compared with the same period in 2024. Visits by Chinese tourists, who make up the largest group by nationality, have plummeted – nearly one million fewer arrivals so far this year versus 2024. The plunge heading into the summer holiday period and beyond is causing consternation in Thailand, where tourism makes up about 12 per cent of gross domestic product. It is being fuelled by lingering concerns about safety, with fears about the growing presence of scam centres around the Myanmar border spooking visitors from China. Thailand has also in recent months contended with an earthquake that beamed images of a destroyed Bangkok skyscraper around the world, the rising popularity of Japan and China as regional tourism destinations and a strong baht that has made it less of a value destination. 'We have lost a lot of tourists to other competing countries in Asia because we didn't tackle the negative images seriously,' said Mr Ratchaporn Poolsawadee, vice-president of the Tourism Council of Thailand. 'Thailand's tourism is resilient, but this may take months to rebound.' Arrivals from China have fallen 33 per cent so far this year after a scam gang's January kidnapping of Chinese actor Wang Xing near the Thai border. Mr Wang's ordeal went viral in China, prompting thousands of cancellations as Chinese tourists opted for regional competitors, including Japan and Singapore, that they perceive as safer. Visits from Malaysia, Thailand's second-biggest source of arrivals, dropped as much as 17 per cent during the same period. Travel warnings from Hong Kong, the UK and Australia have cited concerns related to earthquakes and safety. Flight bookings for the height of summer, June to August, show a 15 per cent decline in Chinese arrivals compared with a year ago, according to data from China Trading Desk, which tracks the mainland tourism market. Hotel occupancy is forecast to fall to 52 per cent in May from 63 per cent the month before, driven largely by the drop from China, according to a survey of nearly 140 hotel operators within the Thai Hotel Association. Daily room rates are expected to decline in the second quarter as hotels slash prices to compete for guests. The self-branded 'Land of Smiles' has publicised efforts to shut down some scam compounds and arrests following Mr Wang's kidnapping. The efforts come as concerns mount in the tourism industry that Thailand will miss its goal of attracting more than 39 million visitors this year, accounting for about US$68 billion in tourist spending. To avoid that, industry officials are calling for further action to reassure would-be visitors, including more promotion to non-Chinese markets. In a bright spot, The White Lotus, whose third season featured the islands of Samui and Phuket, is attracting vacationers from the US and Europe. The third season of the show – which follows the lives of guests and staff at an ultra-luxury resort – was filmed at a Four Seasons in Koh Samui and at Anantara resorts. Tourists from the US have spiked 12 per cent this year through May to more than 625,000, and adventurers from Europe have jumped nearly 18 per cent to more than three million in the same period from a year ago, government data show. Still, the country could need more than a TV show to stop Asian tourists – who would see The White Lotus' setting as far less exotic – from heading elsewhere. 'Thailand was hit with a string of bad news events,' said Mr Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun, president of the Thai Hotels Association, whose members include the biggest hoteliers in the country. 'So now we have travellers concerned about safety and security. The government should act right now and do a lot more to reassure and attract visitors.' Bloomberg Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Even ‘White Lotus' buzz isn't reviving Thailand's tourism slump
Thailand's tourism outlook in such doldrums that even the so-called The White Lotus effect — a temporary boost in Western visitors inspired by the latest Koh Samui—set season of HBO's hit show — hasn't been enough to offset a slump in arrivals from neighboring countries. Foreign arrivals to Thailand dropped for the fourth straight month in May, slipping 14% to 2.6 million, government data show. That's the country's longest streak of declines since 2021, when the Covid pandemic closed international borders. ALSO READ: Thailand closes scenic viewing spot following clashes at Laos by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like An engineer reveals: 1 simple trick to get all TV channels Techno Mag Learn More Undo The biggest drop came from travelers from other Asian countries, whose citizens make up the vast majority of tourists to Thailand. Regional arrivals fell nearly 11% this year through May, compared to the same period in 2024. Visits by Chinese tourists, who make up the largest group by nationality, have plummeted — nearly 1 million fewer arrivals so far this year versus 2024. (Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates) The plunge heading into the summer holiday period and beyond is causing consternation in Thailand, where tourism makes up about 12% of gross domestic product. It's being fueled by lingering concerns about safety, with fears about the growing presence of scam centers around the Myanmar border spooking visitors from China. Live Events ALSO READ: Thailand reinstates financial proof requirement for tourist visas Thailand has also in recent months contended with an earthquake that beamed images of a destroyed Bangkok skyscraper around the world, the rising popularity of Japan and China as regional tourism destinations and a strong baht that's made it less of a value destination. 'We have lost a lot tourists to other competing countries in Asia because we didn't tackle the negative images seriously,' said Ratchaporn Poolsawadee, vice president of the Tourism Council of Thailand. 'Thailand's tourism is resilient, but this may take months to rebound.' ALSO READ: Travelling to Thailand soon? The government has issued a health alert you must be aware of Arrivals from China have fallen 33% so far this year after a scam gang's January kidnapping of Chinese actor Wang Xing near the Thai border. Wang's ordeal went viral in the mainland, prompting thousands of cancellations as mainland tourists opted for regional competitors including Japan and Singapore that they perceive as safer. Visits from Malaysia, Thailand's second biggest source of arrivals, dropped as much as 17% during the same period. Travel warnings from Hong Kong, the UK and Australia have cited concerns related to earthquakes and safety. Flight bookings for the height of summer, June to August, show a 15% decline in Chinese arrivals compared to a year ago, according to data from China Trading Desk, which tracks the mainland tourism market. Hotel occupancy is forecast to fall to 52% in May from 63% the month before, driven largely by the drop from China, according to a survey of nearly 140 hotel operators within the Thai Hotel Association. Daily room rates are expected to decline in the second quarter as hotels slash prices to compete for guests. The self-branded 'Land of Smiles' has publicized efforts to shut down some scam compounds and arrests following Wang's kidnapping. The efforts come as concerns mount in the tourism industry that Thailand will miss its goal of attracting more than 39 million visitors this year, accounting for about $68 billion in tourist spending. To avoid that, industry officials are calling for further action to reassure would-be visitors, including more promotion to non-Chinese markets. In a bright spot, The White Lotus, whose third season featured the islands of Samui and Phuket, is attracting vacationers from the US and Europe. The third season of the show — which follows the lives of guests and staff at an ultra luxury resort — was filmed at a Four Seasons in Koh Samui and at Anantara resorts. Tourists from the US have spiked 12% this year through May to more than 625,000, and adventurers from Europe have jumped nearly 18% to more than 3 million in the same period from a year ago, government data show. Still, the country could need more than a TV show to stop Asian tourists — who would see The White Lotus's setting as far less exotic — from heading elsewhere. 'Thailand was hit with a string of bad news events,' said Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun, president of the Thai Hotels Association, whose members include the biggest hoteliers in the country. 'So now we have travelers concerned about safety and security. The government should act right now and do a lot more to reassure and attract visitors.'
The Star
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
White Lotus buzz can't reverse Thailand's tourism decline
The White Lotus, whose third season featured the islands of Samui and Phuket, is attracting vacationers from the US and Europe, but Thailand needs more than a TV show to stop Asian tourists - who would see The White Lotus's setting as far less exotic - from heading elsewhere. - Bloomberg BANGKOK: Thailand's tourism outlook in such doldrums that even the so-called The White Lotus effect - a temporary boost in Western visitors inspired by the latest Koh Samui-set season of HBO's hit show - hasn't been enough to offset a slump in arrivals from neighbouring countries. Foreign arrivals to Thailand dropped for the fourth straight month in May, slipping 14 per cent to 2.6 million, government data show. That's the country's longest streak of declines since 2021, when the Covid pandemic closed international borders. The biggest drop came from travelers from other Asian countries, whose citizens make up the vast majority of tourists to Thailand. Regional arrivals fell nearly 11 per cent this year through May, compared to the same period in 2024. Visits by Chinese tourists, who make up the largest group by nationality, have plummeted - nearly one million fewer arrivals so far this year versus 2024. The plunge heading into the summer holiday period and beyond is causing consternation in Thailand, where tourism makes up about 12 per cent of gross domestic product. It's being fueled by lingering concerns about safety, with fears about the growing presence of scam centres around the Myanmar border spooking visitors from China. Thailand has also in recent months contended with an earthquake that beamed images of a destroyed Bangkok skyscraper around the world, the rising popularity of Japan and China as regional tourism destinations and a strong baht that's made it less of a value destination. "We have lost a lot tourists to other competing countries in Asia because we didn't tackle the negative images seriously,' said Ratchaporn Poolsawadee, vice president of the Tourism Council of Thailand. "Thailand's tourism is resilient, but this may take months to rebound.' Arrivals from China have fallen 33 per cent so far this year after a scam gang's January kidnapping of Chinese actor Wang Xing near the Thai border. Wang's ordeal went viral in the mainland, prompting thousands of cancellations as mainland tourists opted for regional competitors including Japan and Singapore that they perceive as safer. Visits from Malaysia, Thailand's second biggest source of arrivals, dropped as much as 17 per cent during the same period. Travel warnings from Hong Kong, the UK and Australia have cited concerns related to earthquakes and safety. Flight bookings for the height of summer, June to August, show a 15 per cent decline in Chinese arrivals compared to a year ago, according to data from China Trading Desk, which tracks the mainland tourism market. Hotel occupancy is forecast to fall to 52 per cent in May from 63 per cent the month before, driven largely by the drop from China, according to a survey of nearly 140 hotel operators within the Thai Hotel Association. Daily room rates are expected to decline in the second quarter as hotels slash prices to compete for guests. The self-branded "Land of Smiles' has publicised efforts to shut down some scam compounds and arrests following Wang's kidnapping. The efforts come as concerns mount in the tourism industry that Thailand will miss its goal of attracting more than 39 million visitors this year, accounting for about US$68 billion in tourist spending. To avoid that, industry officials are calling for further action to reassure would-be visitors, including more promotion to non-Chinese markets. In a bright spot, The White Lotus, whose third season featured the islands of Samui and Phuket, is attracting vacationers from the US and Europe. The third season of the show - which follows the lives of guests and staff at an ultra luxury resort - was filmed at a Four Seasons in Koh Samui and at Anantara resorts. Tourists from the US have spiked 12 per cent this year through May to more than 625,000, and adventurers from Europe have jumped nearly 18 per cent to more than three million in the same period from a year ago, government data show. Still, the country could need more than a TV show to stop Asian tourists - who would see The White Lotus's setting as far less exotic - from heading elsewhere. "Thailand was hit with a string of bad news events,' said Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun, president of the Thai Hotels Association, whose members include the biggest hoteliers in the country. "So now we have travelers concerned about safety and security. The government should act right now and do a lot more to reassure and attract visitors.' - Bloomberg
