TAT To Promote Thailand As The Preferred Wedding Destination for Hong Kong Couples

Dreaming of a wedding abroad is becoming popular for Hong Kong couples, and Thailand aims to be their favorite with picture-perfect beaches and outstanding wedding setups.

Thailand’s Wedding Appeal:
Under the vision of Pornmon Chansri, the newly-appointed head of the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s (TAT) Hong Kong office, a mission has been set: make Thailand the top choice for weddings for Hong Kong couples by next year. Thailand currently ranks second, just behind Japan, in terms of popularity.

The sandy beaches of Phuket, the cultural charm of Chiang Mai, bustling Bangkok, and serene Koh Samui are just the tip of the iceberg. These attractions and the ease of organizing events without the lengthy wait times seen in Hong Kong make Thailand an enticing pick.

Rising Trends:
Recent data from TAT’s Hong Kong office highlights that out of the 50,000 Hong Kong couples tying the knot yearly, 10% are setting their sights abroad for their big day. “The lengthy planning duration and soaring costs in Hong Kong are pushing the affluent towards foreign shores,” Pornmon explained.

Visitor Statistics:

Travel between Hong Kong and Thailand has seen steady growth. From January to July this year, Thailand welcomed 454,008 Hong Kong visitors. While this year’s forecast hinted at 700,000 visitors, Pornmon is ambitious, aiming for 1 million Hong Kong tourists next year. She believes they won’t just come in larger numbers but also spend approximately 10% more during their visits.

A snapshot of spending patterns reveals Hong Kong tourists splurging an average of 10,000 baht daily on their Thai vacations – an increase from 7,000 baht in 2019.  One of Thailand’s advantages is its proximity to Hong Kong. A short flight ensures couples and their guests can arrive fresh and ready for festivities.

Challenges & Solutions:
Post-pandemic times have seen a surge in airline ticket prices. Recognizing this, the previous head of the TAT’s Hong Kong office and the current director of the risk-management division, Naparat Wutthiwat, emphasized the need for cost-effective solutions. She remains hopeful that her successor, Pornmon, can collaborate with airlines to roll out promotional flights, making Thai dreams more accessible for Hong Kong couples.

As more couples search for unique, affordable, and memorable wedding experiences, Thailand’s combination of natural beauty, ease of planning, and proximity makes it a leading contender. With TAT’s strategies in place, Thailand is set to see more weddings on its beaches.

SOURCE: Nation Thailand

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