US searches for Koh Samui soar after The White Lotus premiere
Thailand is basking in the international spotlight following the season premiere of HBO’s hit series The White Lotus, which showcases the stunning island of Koh Samui as its primary filming location.
Since the premiere, Agoda has reported a remarkable 12% surge in accommodation searches for Koh Samui, with interest from the United States skyrocketing by 65% compared to last month’s average.
The surge in US interest has propelled the American market into Koh Samui’s top five inbound search markets on Agoda, displacing Malaysia.
The top international markets now searching for travel to Koh Samui are all from the West: Israel, Germany, France, the United States, and the United Kingdom, respectively.
This surge mirrors the tourism booms experienced by Hawaii and Sicily after the show’s previous seasons, which prominently featured those destinations.
Recognising the potential tourism benefits, Thailand’s government and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) successfully persuaded the show’s producers to film the third season in Thailand, showcasing iconic locations in Bangkok, Koh Samui, Koh Pha Ngan, and Phuket.
The third season features a star-studded cast, including Patrick Schwarzenegger and Thailand’s K-pop star, Lalisa Manobal, better known as Blackpink’s Lisa, ensuring global attention on Thai destinations, reported Travel Daily News.
Pierre Honne, Country Director Thailand at Agoda, said, “The third season premiere of The White Lotus has been a highly anticipated event in Thailand as it has across the rest of the world. It’s thrilling to finally see beloved Thai destinations like Bangkok and Koh Samui as the settings for a global TV sensation. The potential positive effects on Koh Samui and Thailand’s tourism are undeniable.”
Agoda’s platform offers a variety of accommodation options across Thailand, alongside access to over five million holiday properties worldwide, 130,000 flight routes, and more than 300,000 activities.
As The White Lotus continues to captivate audiences worldwide, Thailand’s tourism industry is poised to reap the rewards, with Koh Samui standing out as the latest must-visit destination.
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