Luxury travel rises among young Thais, survey shows
Thai luxury travellers show greater intent to travel internationally this holiday season.
In Thailand, luxury travel is also skewing younger, with 42% of travelers aged 25–34 compared to 31% of budget travelers, a survey by YouGov revealed.
Men make up a larger share of the luxury segment (58% vs. 47%), and 36% of this group belong to higher-income brackets, compared with 22% of budget travelers. By contrast, middle-income earners are more likely to fall into the economy category (58% vs. 48%).
Looking ahead to the holiday season, Thai luxury travelers show stronger intent for international trips, with 44% planning to go abroad compared to 25% of budget travelers. Domestic travel, however, remains equally popular across both groups, with 75% of luxury travelers and 76% of budget travelers intending to stay within Thailand.
Japan emerges as the leading international destination for both segments, chosen by 19% of budget travelers and 20% of luxury travelers. Singapore, Korea, and Saudi Arabia also feature prominently. When it comes to staying local, 31% of budget travelers plan to remain in Thailand, while only 19% of luxury travelers share that preference.
Planning behaviors differ between the two groups. Luxury travelers are more inclined to consult destination marketing organizations (46% vs. 15%), while budget travelers lean on social media (53% vs. 49%), travel blogs (49% vs. 38%), and advice from friends or family (42% vs. 29%).
Booking preferences also diverge. Among luxury travelers, 35% book directly with hotels and 29% use tour operators, compared with 26% and 12% of budget travelers respectively.
Budget-conscious travelers show a stronger reliance on OTAs and accommodation platforms, reflecting their focus on cost efficiency.
Men make up a larger share of the luxury segment (58% vs. 47%), and 36% of this group belong to higher-income brackets, compared with 22% of budget travelers. By contrast, middle-income earners are more likely to fall into the economy category (58% vs. 48%).
Looking ahead to the holiday season, Thai luxury travelers show stronger intent for international trips, with 44% planning to go abroad compared to 25% of budget travelers. Domestic travel, however, remains equally popular across both groups, with 75% of luxury travelers and 76% of budget travelers intending to stay within Thailand.
Japan emerges as the leading international destination for both segments, chosen by 19% of budget travelers and 20% of luxury travelers. Singapore, Korea, and Saudi Arabia also feature prominently. When it comes to staying local, 31% of budget travelers plan to remain in Thailand, while only 19% of luxury travelers share that preference.
Planning behaviors differ between the two groups. Luxury travelers are more inclined to consult destination marketing organizations (46% vs. 15%), while budget travelers lean on social media (53% vs. 49%), travel blogs (49% vs. 38%), and advice from friends or family (42% vs. 29%).
Booking preferences also diverge. Among luxury travelers, 35% book directly with hotels and 29% use tour operators, compared with 26% and 12% of budget travelers respectively.
Budget-conscious travelers show a stronger reliance on OTAs and accommodation platforms, reflecting their focus on cost efficiency.
