Legislative change is expected to lift Thailand’s GDP by 0.3% by bringing in more revenue from tourism as well as generating a slew of new jobs across tourism and the broader economy
A new study from digital travel platform Agoda has revealed that Thailand’s landmark marriage equality legislation is set to deliver an additional 4 million international visitors per year and increase tourism revenues by nearly USD2 billion annually – within two years after it is enacted.
The Economic Impact of Marriage Equality on Thailand’s Tourism Industry study measures the projected economic opportunity presented by Thailand’s move to adopt marriage equality from 22 January 2025.
The report also quantifies the projected trickle-down benefits of the legislative move to the wider Thai economy, estimating that, within two years, the influx of an additional 4 million international visitors annually could;
- Boost tourism receipts by approximately USD2 billion each year—of which, around USD 0.7 billion would go to accommodations, USD 0.4 billion to food and beverage services, USD 0.4 billion to retail spending, USD 0.2 billion to domestic transportation, with USD 0.2 billion across other areas including entertainment and medical services
- Support an additional 152,000 FTE jobs, 76,000 directly within the tourism industry and a further 76,000 across the broader Thai economy, and;
- Lift Thailand’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 0.3%.
Timothy Hughes, Vice President of Corporate Development at Agoda and Executive Sponsor for Agoda Pride said: “The LGBTQIA+ community is a powerful economic force with a strong appetite for travel. While already a popular destination for LGBTQIA+ travellers, this move is expected to further solidify Thailand’s reputation as an inclusive holiday option. At Agoda, we are excited to see the substantive economic impact that the influx of travellers will have on local businesses and communities. We will continue working with our local partners to deliver exceptional travel experiences for this community.”
Henry Koh, Executive Director, International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA) Asia said: “The unfortunate reality is that more than half of LGBTQIA+ travellers from the Asia Pacific region have experienced some sort of discrimination while travelling, making safety a key consideration for them as they travel. By enacting this pivotal legislative change, Thailand is establishing itself as a secure and preferred destination that can provide them with the otherwise unavailable opportunity to conduct a destination wedding, for example.”
Further, studies indicate that tourists are more likely to visit countries that support LGBTQIA+ rights, with 43% of LGBTQIA+ travellers cancelling trips when they perceive a destination as unsupportive of LGBTQIA+ rights.
