Thailand is leading the world in driving the highest percentage of international hotel arrivals for December, with 87% of bookings coming from foreign travellers, up from 84% last year. This is according to new data from SiteMinder, the world's leading hotel distribution and revenue platform. The growth has led to a 18% year-on-year rise in total hotel reservations for the days leading up to Christmas, 21-25 December, underscoring Thailand's unique appeal as a global holiday destination during the Christmas and New Year season.
SiteMinder today also reveals that the surge in bookings complements a year-on-year increase in hotel rates, length of stay and booking lead time during the Christmas week, demonstrating grown confidence in international travel and a return to people booking further in advance. The average daily rate (ADR) for Thai hotels has risen by 16% - the highest increase globally - reaching THB 8,313 from THB 7,149 last year, while the average length of booked stays for the period is set to jump by 5%, from 2.63 days to 2.76 days. Additionally, the average booking lead time is set to increase by 10%, from 85 days to 93 days.
Supakrit Phansomboon, SiteMinder's Country Manager for Thailand, says, "While Thailand remains a predominantly Buddhist country, Christmas has come to be celebrated for the joy and festivity that it brings. Our country's warm climate, renowned hospitality and vibrant cultural offerings make it a unique draw for international travellers during a holiday traditionally celebrated in the West. Our data not only shows that hotel bookings are up significantly for the Christmas week, but that there is a strong return in international travel, with travellers planning months in advance, staying longer and bringing in significant revenue for local hotels to end the year of 2024 strong."
Phansomboon adds, "The Christmas holidays have always brought people together from around the world and it is pleasing to see that that will again be true this year, more so for a destination like Thailand, which happens to be at the forefront of global travel trends this holiday season. As international travellers visit their friends and families or revel in attractions that transform Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket into Christmas wonderlands, hoteliers are encouraged to seize this opportunity to maximise their revenue by offering unique and memorable experiences for their guests."
SiteMinder's Changing Traveller Report 2025 reveals that two-thirds (65%) of travellers globally are now more likely to travel for events, with family reunions/celebrations topping the list. While almost half (46%) plan to book a standard (basic quality) room, the majority will splurge 'where it matters', with 87% willing to spend on extras like breakfast (47%), room size (30%) and views (28%). Four-in-five also intend to seek out experiences on site at their accommodation, highlighting the shift towards more curated travel experiences.