According to the CEO of online travel agency Agoda, casinos and related attractions could significantly enhance tourism in Thailand, with the potential for a record number of foreign arrivals next year.
The Thai government is planning to develop its first large-scale “entertainment complex” that will include a casino, part of a broader initiative to create jobs and attract more tourists and investments.
“It’s the experience surrounding gambling — consider the examples of Macau and Vegas, where you typically find extravagant shows, excellent dining, and remarkable hotels,” Omri Morgenshtern remarked on Wednesday in Bangkok.
He emphasized the importance of including amusement parks, museums, and children’s activities, citing Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands as a model.
Moreover, Morgenshtern noted that casinos are not subject to seasonal fluctuations and can help bolster visitor numbers during off-peak times.
Tourism plays a vital role in the economy of Southeast Asia’s second-largest country, which has recorded a 29% increase in foreign arrivals during the first ten months of this year compared to 2023.
Previous efforts to legalize gambling in Thailand have faced significant obstacles, including conservative and public opposition to the establishment of casinos.
However, the Pheu Thai government argues that the lack of legal casinos results in lost state revenue and missed opportunities for tourism growth. Countries like Cambodia, Singapore, the Philippines, Laos, and Myanmar have all benefited from large casino developments.
In 2019, Thailand achieved a record 39.9 million foreign arrivals, generating 1.91 trillion baht in revenue.
The government aims to reach 40 million arrivals next year and generate 3.4 trillion baht in tourism revenue, a goal Mr. Morgenshtern believes is attainable if global travel demand remains strong.
Agoda, which operates from Thailand and Singapore, is a subsidiary of online travel giant Booking Holdings.
Morgenshtern expressed optimism that arrivals could exceed 39 million next year, aided by the government’s visa waiver programs and anticipated increases in flight capacity.
“Unless an unforeseen external event occurs or we make significant errors, there’s a reasonable chance we could surpass the 2019 figures for tourist arrivals in Thailand,” he stated.
“Our data indicates that Thailand is very appealing; approximately 46% of travelers we observe return for second, third, or even fourth visits.”
Thailand ranks as Agoda’s second-largest destination for repeat visitors, following Japan. However, Morgenshtern voiced concern regarding a new pre-departure electronic travel authorization (ETA) scheme being developed by the government.
“Whenever a fee is charged for something, it can deter potential visitors. Additionally, if travelers have to complete a form, it may complicate the process and discourage them from coming,” he cautioned.
