Thailand is experiencing a significant surge in travel bookings, especially during the upcoming Songkran festival and youth holidays, showing a 50% increase compared to previous years. This rise can be attributed to the growing preference among millennials and Gen Z for unique experiences and diverse activities during their travels.
According to Klook’s recent data, the trend reflects how Thai travelers prioritize creating joyful memories and experiences with their families, friends, and loved ones. Japan remains the most favored destination for Thai tourists, followed closely by China and Hong Kong, as reported by Klook General Manager for Thailand, Hong Kong, and Macau, Kenny Cham.
"This substantial increase in advance bookings clearly indicates how much Thais value traveling, particularly during significant holidays like Songkran. People are now more inclined to participate in experiences beyond just hotels, as they are seeking activities to enrich their trips, making them more memorable," Cham stated.
This shift toward seeking adventure includes popular trends like visits to amusement parks—expected to draw record crowds to destinations such as Tokyo Disneyland, Shanghai Disneyland, and major Universal Studios parks worldwide. The phenomena extend to cruise ship adventures, which are no longer limited to older generations; the Disney Cruise, particularly from Singapore, has attracted considerable interest among younger travelers.
Millennials and Gen Z are increasingly utilizing social media, especially TikTok, to gather real-time recommendations and genuine reviews for their travel plans. This digital engagement makes the planning process more seamless and personalized.
The rising trend of self-driving rentals allows travelers to explore destinations at their own pace. Many are opting for rental cars particularly when visiting nations with user-friendly road systems like Japan and select European countries. This trend is fueled by the quest for freedom and convenience, as groups like families and couples seek to curate their travel experiences more precisely.
More adventurous travelers are also engaging in 'city hopping' and 'dupe travel' where they explore secondary destinations or seek hidden gems instead of opting for the typical tourist-heavy spots. This desire to escape the crowds and discover unique locations has prompted Klook to highlight these travel behaviors. Events called 'Gig Tripping' have also become popular, allowing attendees to combined concert experiences with travel, particularly for international music festivals or prestigious sporting events like the Premier League.
To accommodate these growing demands for travel experiences, Klook has announced exciting promotions throughout March 2025, both online and offline, allowing travelers to enjoy deals as they plan their vacations.
At the same time, the construction industry in Thailand is emphasizing its pivotal role in the economy, contributing around 7-8% of GDP, with annual values ranging between 1.5 to 2 trillion baht. This sector, though significant for local employment and economic stimulation, is also responsible for considerably high carbon emissions, accounting for over 40% of global carbon release. By focusing on sustainability, the industry aims to transition toward carbon neutrality.
Underlining this commitment is "The NOVA Expo 2025," organized by the EEC Engineering Network, which aims to showcase advancements and technologies for sustainable construction. Dr. Kesha Thirarattanakomen, the chairman of EEC Academy, articulated the urgency for the construction sector to adopt eco-friendly practices and innovations. "To achieve carbon net-zero, collaboration and investment from all levels are imperative. The construction industry must integrate sustainable materials and techniques, which can significantly lower carbon footprints," he stated.
Further, Dr. Kesha emphasized four main factors leading to carbon emissions from construction, such as raw material production, energy usage (especially refrigeration), and inefficient waste disposal practices. He recommended methods like green design principles, which focus on energy efficiency and using sustainable building materials, as effective pathways for the industry.
Key technologies discussed at the NOVA Expo include modular construction and robotics aimed at reducing waste and labor times. Projects adopting IoT, AI, and smart systems help monitor energy usage and optimize building management, thereby enhancing performance and reducing operational costs.
Passive design techniques could cut energy consumption by as much as 60% to 70%, leading to substantial long-term sustainability. Supporting these initiatives, policies from the government encouraging green standards and renewable energy sources could pave the way for effective circular economy models.
Dr. Kesha concluded by expressing optimism: "If Thailand can establish itself as a leader with recognized green initiatives, we will attract significant investments, bolstering our economy and supporting the global fight against climate change." It’s clear, as both travel and construction industries evolve, the focus is increasingly on sustainability, experience-rich offerings, and innovative practices as both sectors strive for excellence.