Airbnb sees surge in tourists visiting Bangkok for ‘world’s largest water fight’

[reader]

From The Nation

Bangkok is fifth on Airbnb’s list of top trending global travel destinations for this year, with foreign tourists expected to return in full swing for the Songkran festival next month.

Searches for what is known as “the world’s largest water fight” rose 310% year on year, the online marketplace for short-term homestays said.

Bangkok is the most-searched Thai destination for the annual water festival, followed by Pattaya, Chiang Mai, Krabi, and Phuket, said Amanpreet Bajaj, Airbnb’s general manager for Southeast Asia, India, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.

“With Songkran just around the corner, we are delighted to see the significant resurgence in international travel to Thailand on Airbnb,” Bajaj said.

The surge in searches signals a strong recovery for tourism in Thailand, Bajaj said.

“The growing excitement among global travellers to experience the country’s scenic natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage, delicious local cuisine, and world-class Thai hospitality, is extremely encouraging,” he added.

Nights booked in Thailand on Airbnb’s platform more than doubled last year, with international travel leading the way.

Travellers from the United States made up the majority of Airbnb guests visiting Thailand in 2022, followed by those from the United Kingdom, Europe, and the Asia Pacific region, including South Korea, Australia, and China.

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The Thaiger had a similar story the other day

https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/tourism/bangkok-comes-in-at-5th-place-on-airbnbs-top-trending-global-travel-spots-in-2023

"Airbnb is working closely with the Tourism Authority of Thailand to drive more long-term stays in Thailand. Both parties co-launched a Live and Work Anywhere digital guide in January this year to support the growth of digital nomads in Thailand."

[Riobard]

LOL. So much for territorial property owners’ grip on the tourism segregation agenda.