According to a survey by Agoda, an international online travel booking platform, Thailand is the top destination in Asia for European tourists. It is followed by Indonesia and Japan, which are also popular destinations. In addition, Malaysia and the Philippines stand out with significant search patterns for beach vacations.
According to Pierre Honne, Agoda's Senior Country Director in Thailand, "Phuket emerges as the most sought-after hotel destination for European tourists on Agoda, followed by Bangkok and Krabi. These locations stand out for offering recreational activities, adventures and culturally enriching experiences that appeal to international tourists, especially during the extended summer vacation period.
As reported by the Bangkok Post, European tourists have become a dominant force in the tourism industry in southern Thailand, resulting in record high hotel occupancy rates with stays lasting weeks. Tourists from Russia, Scandinavia and Germany, attracted by the natural beauty of the region, are the main contributors to the occupancy rates, which have reached 90% or more.
Agoda's data also shows a 52% year-on-year increase in hotel searches in Asia by European tourists on its platform. The majority of these searches come from countries such as the UK, France, Germany, Spain and the Netherlands.
The growing interest of European tourists in Asian destinations is having a positive impact on the region's tourism industry. In addition, with the relaxation of travel restrictions and the desire for new experiences, a variety of attractions in Asia continue to attract large numbers of international travelers.
The economic impact of the tourism surge is significant, with prospects for increased GDP and the creation of new job opportunities in these countries. The easing of travel restrictions is also opening doors for investment in tourism infrastructure development and shifting the direction of global tourism trends.
