Thai travellers are setting 2025 trends, embracing AI for trip planning and remote work options, leading globally in tech-savvy, flexible travel preferences.
BANGKOK, THAILAND – SiteMinder has unveiled its Changing Traveller Report 2025, highlighting trends in Thai traveler behavior, particularly in AI adoption and remote work integration. The report reveals that an impressive 98% of Thai travelers are eager to use AI tools for planning, booking, and enhancing their hotel stays, and 68% intend to work remotely during their trips in 2025—both representing the highest rates worldwide.
This report, based on insights from over 12,000 participants across 14 global tourism markets, introduces the concept of the ‘everything traveller’—a versatile guest who seamlessly blends modern and traditional travel preferences, reflecting evolving travel trends.
The report shows notable differences in AI openness, with Thailand and Indonesia leading at 98%, followed by China (96%) and India (94%). In contrast, Canada, Australia (62%), Germany, France, and the UK (63%) display lower enthusiasm. Additionally, Thailand (68%), Indonesia (66%), and India (61%) top the charts for remote work during travel, well above the global average (41%), with North American (34%) and European (31%) rates even lower.
2025 Travel Plans for Thai Travelers
SiteMinder’s data reveals that 83% of Thai travelers plan to explore international destinations in 2025, with Millennials leading at 87%, ranking them third globally behind Singapore (93%) and China (85%). Domestically, the top choices include Chiang Mai (59%), Pattaya-Chon Buri (57%), Hat Yai-Songkhla (34%), Bangkok (32%), and Nakhon Ratchasima (19%). For international travel, Thai favorites are Japan (56%), China (32%), South Korea (23%), Singapore (15%), and Vietnam (14%). Generational differences shape accommodation preferences, with Gen Z and Millennials leaning toward hotels and resorts, Gen X preferring B&Bs, and Baby Boomers opting for budget stays.
Additional Insights on Thai Travelers
Room Preferences: Over half (54%) will select standard-quality rooms in 2025, above the global average (46%) and ranking fourth after Spain (59%), Canada (55%), and Italy (55%). Only 19% of Chinese guests share this preference.
Willingness to Pay Extra: Despite modest room preferences, 97% of Thai travelers are open to paying extra for amenities, such as breakfast (67%), a view (44%), or flexible check-in/out times (33%).
Eco-Conscious Spending: Ninety-four percent would spend more on eco-friendly accommodations, second only to Indonesians.
Event-Driven Travel: Events remain a strong motivator, with 78% more likely to travel for occasions than in the previous year. Popular events include concerts (47%), family gatherings (35%), and conferences (31%).
Hotel Time and Comfort: With 65% planning to spend considerable time at their hotels, comfort and pet-friendly options are essential. Seventy-six percent of Thai travelers value pet-friendly amenities more than before, ranking highest globally, above Indonesian (70%), Indian (66%), and Chinese travelers (62%).
Booking Preferences: Fifty-five percent plan to book 2025 stays via online travel agencies (OTAs), marking a 9% increase year-over-year and 13% above the global average, ranking third behind Indonesia (62%) and China (56%).
Booking Abandonment: Sixty-five percent have abandoned online bookings due to poor experiences, with Gen Z leading at 72%, significantly above the 52% global average.
Source: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/thai-travellers-lead-2025-trends-in-ai-and-remote-work-integration/
