As Thailand’s tourism industry experiences a revival and gears up for the upcoming high season in Q4, Airbnb has shared its travel data for the first half of the year.

The data reveals a notable surge in interest among Airbnb guests, with both domestic and international bookings to Thailand rising by over 30 percent in the first half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.

The report also highlights growth across all group sizes, with the most significant increase seen in group travel. Airbnb reported that group bookings to Thailand grew by nearly 40 percent in H1 2024 compared to H1 2023.

“Thailand’s appeal as a world-class tourism destination remains strong amongst Airbnb travelers around the world. It’s particularly encouraging to see the significant growth in those traveling together as small groups in the first half of the year, as well as more guests staying longer in the country,” said Amanpreet Bajaj, Airbnb’s General Manager for Southeast Asia, India, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. “This continued growth reflects Airbnb guests’ eagerness to explore and experience Thailand – both the established destinations as well as seeking out new experiences in lesser-known destinations. Airbnb will continue to work with industry stakeholders and support the Thai government to drive interest in travel to Thailand amongst Airbnb guests globally and support sustainable travel dispersal.”

Improved short- and long-haul flight connectivity, coupled with the Thai government’s efforts to simplify visa processes, has significantly boosted Thailand’s attractiveness across various markets. The leading countries of origin for international Airbnb guests visiting Thailand in the first half of 2024 were:

• United States
• China
• Germany
• Russian Federation
• United Kingdom
• Korea
• France
• Australia
• Singapore

Airbnb continues to be highly popular in traditional markets like the U.S. and European nations, while regional markets such as China, Korea, Australia, and Singapore also remain robust contributors to its success.

An Increasing Trend of Longer Stays
Thailand’s allure as a destination for long-term visitors is far from new. The country’s favorable climate, diverse landscapes—from beaches to mountains and vibrant cities—delicious cuisine, and the renowned hospitality of its people have long made it an attractive spot for extended stays.

In response to this growing demand, the recently introduced Destination Thailand Visa aims to specifically encourage longer stays among remote workers, digital nomads, and freelancers. Recognizing the appeal of Thailand for digital nomads, Airbnb previously collaborated with the Tourism Authority of Thailand to launch the “Live and Work in Thailand” digital guide. According to Airbnb’s latest data, this focus on long-term visitors is paying off—long-term stays in Thailand by Airbnb guests grew by over 20 percent in the first half of 2024 in comparison to the same period in 2023.

Top Thai Destinations for Airbnb Guests
The travel habits of both international and domestic travelers show similar preferences, with Bangkok emerging as the most booked destination on Airbnb in the first half of 2024. International guests favored Phuket as their second choice, followed by Pattaya, Chiang Mai, and Surat Thani. In contrast, domestic Thai travelers preferred Pattaya over Phuket.

While the most popular destinations remain well-established, many international visitors are increasingly interested in exploring lesser-known areas. Airbnb search data highlights Mae Hong Son, Trang, and Satun as emerging Thai destinations trending globally on the platform.

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