Klook, Asia’s leading travel and activities platform, has reported significant growth expectations for the upcoming summer tourism season, reflecting notable trends among Thai travelers. With bookings through Klook anticipated to increase by over 50% compared to the previous year, the company is gearing up for what promises to be an exciting period of travel and new experiences.
According to Kenny Cham, the General Manager of Klook Thailand, Hong Kong, and Macau, the surge indicates not only the importance Thais are placing on travel but also their desire for meaningful and varied experiences. “We can see clearly the rising importance of travel for Thai people and how they are increasingly interested in varied activities to enrich their travel experience,” he stated. Such growth highlights Klook’s commitment to providing innovative and customer-centric offerings.
Japan has emerged as the number one destination for Thai travelers, followed closely by China, Hong Kong, and several European countries, including Switzerland. This trend not only reflects the geographical preferences of travelers but also points to their eagerness to explore destinations offering unique experiences. “The trends show us travelers are seeking exciting and unique experiences rather than just hotel stays,” Cham added, shedding light on the changing face of the tourism industry.
Among the popular activities, amusement parks have consistently ranked high. Tourist favorites include Disneyland parks across Tokyo, Shanghai, and Hong Kong, as well as Universal Studios locations in Japan and Singapore. This trend suggests families and travelers of all ages are rekindling their love for fantasy and adventure.
Another charming development is the growing interest in cruising, particularly among younger travelers. The Disney Cruise phenomenon, which departs from Singapore, has captivated Millennials and Gen Z audiences alike. “Cruise activities are no longer just for older adults; younger generations are now taking the helm,” noted Cham, indicating this surge marks cruising as the next big thing within travel trends.
Social media also plays a pivotal role, with TikTok becoming the preferred platform for researching travel. Klook has observed Millennials and Gen Z using the platform to discover real-time recommendations and engaging reviews to plan their travel itineraries effectively.
Driving their own vehicle abroad is another showing trend, with travelers increasingly renting cars for their journeys. Countries like Japan and South Korea, known for their user-friendly roads and traffic systems, are particularly appealing. This self-drive option grants travelers the freedom and ease to navigate their adventures at their own pace.
Interestingly, Klook has noted the rising popularity of city hopping and ‘Dupe Travel’ as travelers seek out lesser-known locations around popular destinations, optimizing their travel experience by avoiding crowds and exploring hidden gems. Such creative thinking enables travelers to save costs and discover new locales often overshadowed by mainstream tourism.
The rise of gig travel is also notable, with fans eager to attend concerts and sporting events. From witnessing international music festivals to supporting favorite sports teams at global events, these experiences contribute to creating unforgettable travel memories.
To meet heightened demand and cater to traveler preferences, Klook has kicked off several initiatives for its customer base. During the summer season, particularly leading up to the Klook Summer Fest, the company plans to provide exciting promotional opportunities, including discounts of up to 5,000 baht on various activities, discounts of up to 50% on Thai Lion Air flights, and special Flash Sales.
The Klook Summer Fest will take place from March 21 to March 23, 2025, at Central World’s Lan Eden, from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM. This event promises to cater to the wanderlust of travelers by offering access to enticing deals across popular attractions, including Disneyland, Universal Studios, and more. With engaging activities like workshops and prize draws, Klook ensures shoppers can enjoy and get inspired for their future travels.
With these compelling strategies and trends shaping the summer travel experience for Thai tourists, Klook has positioned itself as not just a facilitator of travel arrangements but as a partner contributing significantly to the joy and enrichment of travelers' adventures this season.