Thailand urged to target older tourists to boost tourism revenue
A scholar from Thammasat University is advocating for Thailand’s government to target older tourists, who are known for longer stays and higher spending, as part of its tourism strategy.
The government has designated 2025 as the year of Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism & Sports, with the objective of drawing 40 million international tourists and generating a minimum of 3 trillion baht in revenue within the year.
This campaign aims to elevate Thailand’s status as a premier global tourism destination by promoting world-class concerts, performances, and sporting events, supported by collaborations across various sectors. Additionally, efforts will be made to improve safety and convenience for travellers.
Associate Professor Saifon Suindramedhi, Dean of Thammasat University’s College of Interdisciplinary Studies, expressed confidence in achieving the target of 40 million visitors and generating 3 to 3.5 trillion baht in revenue. She noted that Thailand welcomed approximately 35.5 million tourists last year, thus the new target requires just an additional 5 million visitors.
However, Saifon highlighted that the programme continues to rely on traditional tourism models from the past five years, focusing on music, food, and sporting events.
These attractions primarily draw younger tourists who tend to stay for shorter durations and spend less than older visitors. She recommended the government also target high-spending tourists who can extend their stays, particularly retirees.
Saifon further proposed developing an ecosystem that supports older travellers through senior-friendly urban design and policies.
“Senior tourists don’t need to visit many places in one day. They may prefer visiting one or two sites daily and favour small or secondary cities over major urban centres. They seek comfort, relaxation, and a sense of security.
“They might look for destinations with infrastructure tailored to their needs, such as elder-friendly hotels, accessible healthcare services, and welcoming local communities.”
She emphasised that local communities are pivotal to sustainable tourism, as many travellers seek cultural experiences that locals can provide, reported Bangkok Post.
Latest Thailand News
