Agoda’s CEO sees casinos and similar attractions as major drivers for Thailand’s tourism growth, expressing confidence that the country could set a new record for international visitors next year.

 

The Thai government has announced plans for its first large-scale “entertainment complex,” which will include a casino as part of its strategy to generate employment, attract tourists, and draw investments.

 

“It’s about the experience beyond gambling—think of Macau and Las Vegas, which offer impressive shows, culinary delights, and world-class hotels,” Agoda CEO Omri Morgenshtern said on Wednesday in Bangkok.

 

He also emphasized the importance of theme parks, museums, and family-friendly attractions, citing Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands as a successful example.

 

Casinos operate year-round, which could help sustain tourism even during low seasons, Mr. Morgenshtern noted.

 

Tourism is a vital sector for Thailand’s economy, Southeast Asia’s second-largest, which saw a 29% increase in international arrivals in the first ten months of this year compared to 2023.

 

Efforts to legalize casinos in Thailand have faced resistance, with both conservative opposition and public concerns. However, the Pheu Thai government argues that the absence of legal casinos results in lost state revenue and missed opportunities to boost tourism. Neighboring countries such as Cambodia, Singapore, the Philippines, Laos, and Myanmar have successfully attracted tourism with large casino complexes.

 

In 2019, Thailand welcomed a record 39.9 million foreign visitors, generating 1.91 trillion baht in revenue. The government is now targeting 40 million arrivals and 3.4 trillion baht in tourism revenue for next year—a goal Mr. Morgenshtern believes is achievable, assuming stable global travel demand.

 

Agoda, headquartered in Thailand and Singapore and part of Booking Holdings, shares this optimism, noting that visa waiver programs and increased flight availability could help surpass 2019 arrival levels.

 

“Barring any unforeseen global events or local missteps, we have a good chance of exceeding Thailand’s previous tourism record,” he said. “Our data shows Thailand’s strong appeal, with around 46% of travelers visiting multiple times.”

 

Thailand is Agoda’s second-largest market for repeat travelers, after Japan, Mr. Morgenshtern added.

 

However, he expressed caution over the government’s planned electronic travel authorization (ETA) program, noting that, “Every fee or extra form can deter visitors, as people may decide not to visit if the process feels complicated.”

 

Source: Bangkok Post

 

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The editorial team at Invest Bangkok Property