Bangkok, Thailand: As in-bound golf tourism continues to pick up, Visa Global Travel Intentions Study has listed Thailand as one of the world’s most attractive post-pandemic travel destinations.  

Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Hua Hin are the top Thai cities that global travellers look up online, coincidently also the most high-profile golf destinations within the Kingdom.

Carried out from January through October 2021, the study analysed data from over 7,000 keywords searched by travellers from 62 countries as well as Thailand’s travel information, to five Thai tourist cities and travellers’ sentiments regarding the pandemic’s impact on travel situation.

According to the study, top three motivations for global travellers intending to visit Thailand are leisure pursuits (30%), the chance to escape and relax (25%), and outdoor adventure (18%).

“This demonstrates visitors are looking for stress-free holidays that provide optimum opportunities to relax, get outdoors, and leave the worries of the pandemic behind,” said a spokesperson for the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).

Among the best-known and most popular golfing venues in Thailand are Aquella Golf & Country Club, Banyan Golf Club, Laguna Golf Phuket and Thai Country Club, all Facility Members of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.

The study also revealed that when in Thailand, tourists are most likely to head for activities and attractions that have made Thailand famous. The top activity preferences are going for a Thai massage, eating Thai food at cafes and restaurants, spending time at a resort, and embracing Thai culture, such as, visiting a Buddhist temple.

Visa cited a study by the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) that Thailand’s tourism industry is showing signs of recovery with increasing visitor numbers over the next three years expected to reach around 46.96 million by the end of 2024.

The on-going relaxation of tourist entry requirements throughout the year should make it easier for tourists to return to Thailand.