Thailand: Survey: Thai travel demand surges

  • Thais are eager to travel again, leading budget travel to grow 18% y/y despite concerns over the economy, according to Europ Assistance’s tourism survey.
  • There is real excitement for travel among Thais after Covid-related fears subsided drastically, said Marie Duchesne-Ferchal, head of products and marketing at Europ Assistance, which is part of the Generali Group and offers travel assistance, insurance and personal assistance services.
  • The “2022 Holiday Barometer” report found 69% of Thai holidaymakers were planning summer trips, up 25% from 2021, while 47% will extend their stays in 2022.
  • The survey by Europ Assistance and Ipsos polled 15,000 respondents from 15 countries, including 1,000 Thais, between 26 Apr – 16 May 22.
  • Economic conditions remain the most critical concern for travellers, but 66% of Thai respondents said they would keep their travel budgets intact or slightly cut their budget.
  • “Despite inflation and soaring commodity prices, Thais are showing an eagerness to travel after being stuck in the country for two years,” Mrs Duchesne-Ferchal said.
  • As a result, Thai tourists’ average summer holiday budget stands at THB62,800, 18% growth from 2021, she said.
  • Some 56% of Thai tourists plan to take outbound trips, growing by seven percentage points from 2021, particularly to Asian countries such as Singapore, Japan, and South Korea.
  • Meanwhile, 18% of Thai respondents are still looking forward to domestic trips, up by 5% y/y.
  • Thais who do not plan to travel in 2022 said they want to save money, cannot afford to spend on leisure travel, or are uneasy about the pandemic.
  • Mrs Duchesne-Ferchal said the pandemic has also affected travellers’ willingness to pay for insurance, as tourists increasingly appreciated its necessity.
  • A total of 63% of Thais purchased insurance for their last trips, while 71% said they would most likely buy insurance for their future travel.

External Link : https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/2328888/survey-thai-travel-demand-surges

18-Jun-2022