During an online press conference, David Mann, the Chief Economist for Mastercard Asia-Pacific, reported that Thailand’s tourism sector is close to full recovery, with visitor numbers only 7% below pre-pandemic levels. Air traffic from South Asia and ASEAN countries has increased by almost 25% compared to 2019 levels, while arrivals from other regions are slowly increasing. The length of global leisure trips has also increased, with tourists staying for an average of five days in March 2024, compared to four days pre-pandemic.
The longer stays of tourists have significant economic implications, as they tend to spend more money during their trips. This increased spending can provide a boost to local businesses and economies in the travel sector, contributing to overall economic growth in the destination. As visitor numbers continue to rise and travelers stay longer, the positive effects on the economy are expected to become more pronounced, supporting Thailand’s recovery from the pandemic.
The Mastercard Economics Institute’s analysis indicates that the trend of longer leisure trips is benefiting travelers and local economies alike. With visitor arrivals in Thailand slowly approaching pre-pandemic levels and tourists staying longer and spending more money, the tourism sector is expected to play a key role in the country’s economic recovery. As global travel continues to recover, the impact of longer tourist stays on local economies is likely to become even more significant.
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