Enough already about the high-value tourist

[reader]

TBH, I'm getting annoyed with the Tourism Authority's objective of chasing after "high-value" tourists. I acknowledge that all nations prefer the wealthy but the facts don't support Thailand's quest. Thailand rocketed into the leading tourist destination in SE Asia over the last few decades by offering relatively low-cost vacations to tourists from across the globe. Hotels and eateries in all prices ranges sprung up to accommodate them. If the Tourism Authority was to realize its goal, however, who'd be left to book those low and mid-priced hotels or eat and drink at the vendors or beer gardens that cater to the average international tourist. White Lotus was a great promotional series but those depicted hardly represent the average visitor who have made Thailand the success that it has become..

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From Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has reported strong growth in long-haul international arrivals in early 2025, as it steps up efforts to attract high-value travellers in line with national tourism strategy — driving toward its year-end target of 39 million visitors and 2.23 trillion Baht in revenue.

From 1 January to 21 April 2025, Thailand welcomed over 11.35 million visitors, according to the Immigration Bureau. Long-haul markets showed particularly strong year-on-year growth: the United Kingdom – 423,324 (+20.61%), Germany – 407,378 (+13.14%), France – 364,262 (+22.65%), the United States – 379,472 (+12.83%), Australia – 255,420 (+16.85%), Israel – 131,958 (+97.43%), Italy – 114,808 (+28.6%), the Netherlands – 94,074 (+17.88%), Spain – 52,629 (+17.75%), and Saudi Arabia – 43,356 (+15.26%).

This performance has been driven in part by expanded airline seat capacity through TAT’s Airline Focus strategy, which partners with international carriers to increase flight frequencies and launch new routes. Recent additions include Alitalia (Italy–Bangkok), Condor (Frankfurt–Bangkok/Phuket), Evelop Airlines (Madrid–Bangkok), and Air Calédonie International (Paris–Bangkok), alongside frequency increases from Iberojet (Madrid–Bangkok) and Norse Atlantic Airways (London Gatwick–Bangkok).

Forward bookings from long-haul markets remain strong for April to June, with continued momentum expected from the UK, Italy, Spain, Israel, and Russia.

TAT is sharpening its promotional focus on high-potential, high-spending source markets to drive sustainable growth. Priority areas include long-haul markets across Europe (the UK, Germany, Italy, Israel, Sweden, Switzerland, Norway, Austria), the Americas (Argentina, Brazil), Oceania (Australia), the Middle East (Saudi Arabia, Kuwait), and Africa (South Africa), as well as key short-haul markets including Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, India, and Sri Lanka.

Targeted efforts are being made to attract high-value tourists through health and wellness experiences, including Thai massage, spas, yoga, wellness cuisine, and holistic programmes — especially popular among travellers from Europe, ASEAN, and the Middle East.

The yacht and superyacht segment is being developed for European, Australian, and Asia-Pacific markets, while sports and entertainment tourism — including golf, marathons, trail running, Muay Thai, diving, and cycling — is being actively promoted in Russia, Europe, the US, Australia, China, South Korea, and Japan. Additionally, the digital nomad and workation markets are being targeted in popular destinations such as Chiang Mai, Bangkok, Phuket, Ko Samui, Hua Hin, and Krabi.

Continues at

https://www.tatnews.org/2025/04/thailand-targets-high-value-travellers-to-fuel-long-haul-tourism-growth/

[PeterRS]

12 hours ago, reader said:

This performance has been driven in part by expanded airline seat capacity through TAT’s Airline Focus strategy, which partners with international carriers to increase flight frequencies and launch new routes. Recent additions include Alitalia (Italy–Bangkok), Condor (Frankfurt–Bangkok/Phuket), Evelop Airlines (Madrid–Bangkok), and Air Calédonie International (Paris–Bangkok), alongside frequency increases from Iberojet (Madrid–Bangkok) and Norse Atlantic Airways (London Gatwick–Bangkok).

How strange that TAT expects largely second tier low cost airlines to bring in "high value" travellers!

[reader]

NOTE -- Although I take the following article with a grain of salt, I believe the comments about price gouging may resonate with many.

From The Nation

Tourist Appeal Wanes as Gripes Over Price Hikes and Dodgy Systems Mount

Thailand, once a magnet for budget-conscious backpackers and sun-seekers alike, is facing a growing backlash from international tourists.

A surge of online criticism, with nearly 2,000 comments flooding a Bangkok Post Learning social media post, reveals widespread dissatisfaction with the kingdom's current tourism landscape.

Travellers are increasingly voicing concerns over inflated prices, a discriminatory two-tier pricing system, outdated bureaucracy, and the now-commonplace aroma of cannabis in holiday hotspots.

An analysis by Krungthep Turakij, sifting through some 800 of these online missives with the aid of artificial intelligence, has identified four key areas of concern.

Foremost among these is the perception that a holiday in Thailand no longer offers the value for money it once did.

The overwhelming sentiment is that Thailand has ceased to be a cost-effective destination. Accommodation costs in popular tourist areas, in particular, have seen eye-watering increases.

One disgruntled visitor to Koh Samui recounted: "The same hotel I paid 2,000 baht a night for five years ago now demands 6,000 baht." A European traveller in Pattaya was similarly aghast, reporting a 180-euro (around 7,000 baht) bill for a two-person dinner, sans alcohol.

While acknowledging global inflation, many feel that price hikes in Thailand have far outstripped typical inflationary pressures.

One European tourist put it bluntly: "Hotels jacking up prices from $100 to $200-300 a night can't be blamed on normal inflation. It's pure greed, that is.

Continues at

https://www.nationthailand.com/life/travel/40049275

 

 

[bkkmfj2648]

On 4/25/2025 at 8:19 PM, reader said:

TBH, I'm getting annoyed with the Tourism Authority's objective of chasing after "high-value" tourists.

And this trend can also be seen for retirement in Thailand.

The LTR Wealthy Pensioner visa is ONLY offered to those who can show $80,000 USD in annual passive income. This visa excludes them from having to pay taxes on money brought into Thailand.

If you cannot meet the above annual passive income requirement - you can avail yourself to the non O Immigrant Retirement visa - BUT --> you are subject to taxation when you bring funds into Thailand.

So, "high-value" retirees are exempt from having to pay taxes in Thailand while non "high-value" retirees need to pay taxes in Thailand.

 

[BL8gPt]

39 millions tourists spending 2.23 trillions baht is very modest. Average is just above 57 thousand baht per tourist, equivalent to only 1 500 euros. Not enough even for one week accommodation, food and entertainment.

 

[vinapu]

15 hours ago, PeterRS said:

How strange that TAT expects largely second tier low cost airlines to bring in "high value" travellers!

indeed, thank you for pointing it out. I think it's just all talk about high values as they have their numbers to see who is coming and where is lodging 

[reader]

44 minutes ago, BL8gPt said:

39 millions tourists spending 2.23 trillions baht is very modest. Average is just above 57 thousand baht per tourist, equivalent to only 1 500 euros. Not enough even for one week accommodation, food and entertainment.

 

Agree that that's not all that much on per capita basis. But in reality, the TAT's estimates are based at best on sketchy data. They can get a handle on credit card charges, foreign currency exchanged and VAT amounts. What they can't track is how much cash gets spent on non-credit card transactions or other forms of bank transfer. They don't know how many garlands get distributed, off fees paid, tips of all types dispersed, street vendors, markets or restaurants compensated.

We all know what we spend on an average week. Agreed that it will be higher than visitors from less wealthy countries but it certainly yields a more accurate picture of real spending.

[Travelingguy]

Hmm.  Now I have to wonder if off fees are accounted for by the bars for tax purposes.  On the one hand, I doubt it, but on the other hand, everyone knows that bars charge off fees.  Maybe a don’t ask, don’t tell situation.

 

[Keithambrose]

On 4/25/2025 at 2:19 PM, reader said:

TBH, I'm getting annoyed with the Tourism Authority's objective of chasing after "high-value" tourists. I acknowledge that all nations prefer the wealthy but the facts don't support Thailand's quest. Thailand rocketed into the leading tourist destination in SE Asia over the last few decades by offering relatively low-cost vacations to tourists from across the globe. Hotels and eateries in all prices ranges sprung up to accommodate them. If the Tourism Authority was to realize its goal, however, who'd be left to book those low and mid-priced hotels or eat and drink at the vendors or beer gardens that cater to the average international tourist. White Lotus was a great promotional series but those depicted hardly represent the average visitor who have made Thailand the success that it has become..

================

From Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has reported strong growth in long-haul international arrivals in early 2025, as it steps up efforts to attract high-value travellers in line with national tourism strategy — driving toward its year-end target of 39 million visitors and 2.23 trillion Baht in revenue.

From 1 January to 21 April 2025, Thailand welcomed over 11.35 million visitors, according to the Immigration Bureau. Long-haul markets showed particularly strong year-on-year growth: the United Kingdom – 423,324 (+20.61%), Germany – 407,378 (+13.14%), France – 364,262 (+22.65%), the United States – 379,472 (+12.83%), Australia – 255,420 (+16.85%), Israel – 131,958 (+97.43%), Italy – 114,808 (+28.6%), the Netherlands – 94,074 (+17.88%), Spain – 52,629 (+17.75%), and Saudi Arabia – 43,356 (+15.26%).

This performance has been driven in part by expanded airline seat capacity through TAT’s Airline Focus strategy, which partners with international carriers to increase flight frequencies and launch new routes. Recent additions include Alitalia (Italy–Bangkok), Condor (Frankfurt–Bangkok/Phuket), Evelop Airlines (Madrid–Bangkok), and Air Calédonie International (Paris–Bangkok), alongside frequency increases from Iberojet (Madrid–Bangkok) and Norse Atlantic Airways (London Gatwick–Bangkok).

Forward bookings from long-haul markets remain strong for April to June, with continued momentum expected from the UK, Italy, Spain, Israel, and Russia.

TAT is sharpening its promotional focus on high-potential, high-spending source markets to drive sustainable growth. Priority areas include long-haul markets across Europe (the UK, Germany, Italy, Israel, Sweden, Switzerland, Norway, Austria), the Americas (Argentina, Brazil), Oceania (Australia), the Middle East (Saudi Arabia, Kuwait), and Africa (South Africa), as well as key short-haul markets including Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, India, and Sri Lanka.

Targeted efforts are being made to attract high-value tourists through health and wellness experiences, including Thai massage, spas, yoga, wellness cuisine, and holistic programmes — especially popular among travellers from Europe, ASEAN, and the Middle East.

The yacht and superyacht segment is being developed for European, Australian, and Asia-Pacific markets, while sports and entertainment tourism — including golf, marathons, trail running, Muay Thai, diving, and cycling — is being actively promoted in Russia, Europe, the US, Australia, China, South Korea, and Japan. Additionally, the digital nomad and workation markets are being targeted in popular destinations such as Chiang Mai, Bangkok, Phuket, Ko Samui, Hua Hin, and Krabi.

Continues at

https://www.tatnews.org/2025/04/thailand-targets-high-value-travellers-to-fuel-long-haul-tourism-growth/

But they have attracted @olddaddy

[vinapu]

21 hours ago, Travelingguy said:

Hmm.  Now I have to wonder if off fees are accounted for by the bars for tax purposes.  On the one hand, I doubt it, but on the other hand, everyone knows that bars charge off fees.  Maybe a don’t ask, don’t tell situation.

 

money for that comes from either  foreign exchange or  money transfer to Thai bank accounts of those lucky enough to have it so it can be easily captured for statistics.

[vinapu]

22 hours ago, reader said:

 What they can't track is how much cash gets spent on non-credit card transactions or other forms of bank transfer. They don't know how many garlands get distributed, off fees paid, tips of all types dispersed, street vendors, markets or restaurants compensated.

......................

We all know what we spend on an average week. Agreed that it will be higher than visitors from less wealthy countries but it certainly yields a more accurate picture of real spending.

money funding all that debaucherous spending comes from foreign exchange so while specifics are unknown, amounts   we exchanged and presumably spent is known

...................

there's sizable  chunk of visitors , specially in seaside resort who just lounge there on the beach during day and on the balcony or wandering streets at night spending very little so it somehow evens out. My friend who was in Thailand at the same time in January I was,  spent less per week  than my long time tip for one night was.

[Keithambrose]

23 hours ago, Travelingguy said:

Hmm.  Now I have to wonder if off fees are accounted for by the bars for tax purposes.  On the one hand, I doubt it, but on the other hand, everyone knows that bars charge off fees.  Maybe a don’t ask, don’t tell situation.

 

Does tea money count as a business expense?

[tm_nyc]

1 hour ago, vinapu said:

debaucherous

I like that word!

[reader]

6 minutes ago, Keithambrose said:

Does tea money count as a business expense?

There are probably more than a few involved in the construction of the collapsed high rise waiting to find out.

[vinapu]

6 hours ago, Keithambrose said:

Does tea money count as a business expense?

in owner's pocket and spreadsheet, surely . Can he deduct it as expense on his tax statement ? I doubt very much unless he renames it as 'cleaning supplies" or similar  

[Keithambrose]

12 minutes ago, vinapu said:

in owner's pocket and spreadsheet, surely . Can he deduct it as expense on his tax statement ? I doubt very much unless he renames it as 'cleaning supplies" or similar  

Facility payments? Agency fees? Brokerage?

[vinapu]

2 minutes ago, Keithambrose said:

Facility payments? Agency fees? Brokerage?

something like that

[Keithambrose]

7 hours ago, vinapu said:

something like that

Also, 'commission'.