Thai tourists are better prepared for overseas trips and generous in spending spree

Affluent Thai people have been wiser in taking their trips abroad by planning ahead of their journey and taking along electronic devices or new communication tools, according to the Visa Global Travel Intention Survey 2013.

The survey shows that 60 percent of high-income travelers use such devices as smartphones and tablets to check emails, and 45% use various online applications to send messages during their trips. The poll also shows that 34% of the holiday makers in this group share their journey experiences by posting their photos online, while 33% surf the Internet for entertaining purposes during the trips.

53% of Thai tourists also carry some forms of camera, and 47% bring along their tablets for use during their journey, the VISA’s survey said.

The three main deciding factors for Thai tourists in choosing their destinations are promotional incentives by tour agencies, weather at the time of visit and tourist attractions the destination has to offer.

The survey also shows that affluent Thai travelers have a tendency to increase their spending by up to 3 times when arriving in their destinations.

The poll also said 33% of those holiday goers spend most at retail shops, 22% on food, and 19% on other activities. 93% of Thai tourists use credit cards as means of payment at high-end restaurants and night entertainment venues, compared to only 40% of global travelers who use credit cards on the same purpose.