Thailand Tops LGBTQ Tourism; Spending Soars by 38%

[snoop1130]

Photo courtesy of KhaoSod English

 

Thailand is rapidly gaining recognition as a top LGBTQ travel hotspot. According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), spending among LGBTQ tourists has surged by 38%, reaching over 73,000 baht per trip. This rise is also accompanied by a 19.9% increase in first-time LGBTQ visitors, indicating Thailand's growing appeal.

 

The nation recently passed the Marriage Equality Act, prompting more inquiries from LGBTQ travelers about Thailand's readiness as a leading LGBTQ-friendly destination. TAT’s Deputy Governor, Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, noted that European travelers often ask about dedicated LGBTQ-friendly services, with many seeking inclusive spaces and like-minded communities.

 

Responding to these inquiries, TAT emphasized that Thailand's hospitality industry warmly welcomes LGBTQ tourists, same-sex couples, and honeymooners with premium and inclusive experiences.

 

A 2024 survey noted that romantic tourists, including LGBTQ visitors, spent 73,535 baht per trip—up 37.72% from 2023. Daily spending rose 42.39%, averaging 6,722 baht per person. The data revealed a preference for premium hotels and exclusive travel experiences among LGBTQ tourists, marking them as a lucrative market segment.

 

 

These travelers typically stay around 10.94 nights, with 97.32% opting for hotels or resorts. An impressive 68.97% of LGBTQ visitors were first-timers, underscoring Thailand's allure as an LGBTQ-friendly destination.

 

Among favored romantic spots, Bangkok remained the leader at 62.5%, while Phuket saw a significant rise to 47.77%. Krabi also experienced a notable jump of 28.57%.

 

Globally, the LGBTQ travel market contributes over US$200 billion annually. The United States leads with US$63.1 billion in spending, followed by Brazil at US$26.8 billion. As Thailand continues to champion LGBTQ-friendly tourism, its status as a must-visit destination is set to expand further.

 

-- 2025-02-11

 

 

[ikke1959]

THanks to the Equal Marriage Bill

[NativeBob]

1 hour ago, snoop1130 said:

European travelers often ask about dedicated LGBTQ-friendly services

I'm afraid to ask - what are those dedicated to/for/at?

#ROFL

[watchcat]

13 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

LGBTQ

 

What does it mean?

[Patong2021]

1 hour ago, watchcat said:

 

What does it mean?

 

You know what it means. What's your point? Trying to get a rise out people?

[quake]

12 minutes ago, PremiumLane said:

 

Every post about gay people and you are on there, you know what they say about people who have that kind of obsession, right? You can open the closet door 🙂 

 

Was that a typo.

Did you mean back door.

[Social Media]

Abusive homophobic post reported and removed @OneMoreFarang

[proton]

Wont this gay, queer, LGBTQIA+ prancing about put off all those rich muslim Arab visitors? difficult balance as it would be a death sentence in some of their countries and certainly illegal.

[Baht Simpson]

10 minutes ago, proton said:

Wont this gay, queer, LGBTQIA+ prancing about put off all those rich muslim Arab visitors? difficult balance as it would be a death sentence in some of their countries and certainly illegal.

No. Why would it? 

[Harrisfan]

Most gays are friendly. Straight liberals are normally angry and unfriendly. Rather talk to a gay.

[watchcat]

3 hours ago, Patong2021 said:

 

You know what it means. What's your point? Trying to get a rise out people?

 

No, I didn'know hence my cuestion, why do you have a problem with  my cuestion?

[proton]

1 hour ago, Baht Simpson said:

No. Why would it? 

 

Islam hates all that rainbow, unicorns and pride nonsense, might put visitors off

[proton]

55 minutes ago, Harrisfan said:

Most gays are friendly. Straight liberals are normally angry and unfriendly. Rather talk to a gay.

 

Sure about that?

 

 

[Harrisfan]

1 minute ago, proton said:

 

Sure about that?

 

 

He is a liberal.

[Harrisfan]

Dave Rubin is a gay conservative. Nicest guy in the media.

 

Kind of proves my point.

[Baht Simpson]

39 minutes ago, proton said:

 

Islam hates all that rainbow, unicorns and pride nonsense, might put visitors off

Well, that's their tragedy isn't it? You can't turn down billions in possible tourist revenue because of archaic, outdated, discriminatory religious prejudices that exist in other cultures. 

 

Besides,  the majority of Muslim visitors would probably never see the gays,only during Pride. Many more would be tolerant or accept the laws and ideals of the country they're in, as they insist you do in their country. Not to mention that some gay Muslims (yes they do exist) would be grateful to go somewhere that welcomed them.