Legislative change is expected to lift Thailand’s GDP by 0.3% by bringing in more revenue from tourism as well as generating a slew of new jobs across tourism and the broader economy
BANGKOK, December 2024 – A recent study conducted by the digital travel platform Agoda highlights the significant impact of Thailand’s groundbreaking marriage equality legislation on the country’s tourism sector. According to the findings, this landmark law is expected to attract an impressive influx of an additional 4 million international visitors each year. In turn, this surge in tourism could generate nearly USD 2 billion in added revenue annually, demonstrating the profound economic benefits that could be realized within just two years of the legislation’s implementation.
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The Economic Impact of Marriage Equality on Thailand’s Tourism Industry study measures the projected economic opportunity presented by Thailand’s move to adopt marriage equality from 22 January 2025. As the first jurisdiction in Southeast Asia to legalize same-sex marriage, and Asia’s third after Taiwan in 2019 and Nepal last year, the initiative positions Thailand to capture a larger slice of the global rainbow tourism market, valued at over USD 200 billion annually.
The report also quantifies the projected trickle-down benefits of the legislative move to the wider Thai economy, estimating that, within two years, the influx of an additional 4 million international visitors annually could;
- boost tourism receipts by approximately USD2 billion each year—of which, around USD 7 billion would go to accommodations, USD 0.4 billion to food and beverage services, USD 0.4 billion to retail spending, USD 0.2 billion to domestic transportation, with USD 0.2 billion across other areas including entertainment and medical services;
- support an additional 152,000 FTE jobs, 76,000 directly within the tourism industry and a further 76,000 across the broader Thai economy, and;
- lift Thailand’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 0.3%.
While Thailand is already established as a leading tourism destination, this legislative development is set to bolster its appeal to LGBTQIA+ tourists seeking welcoming destinations, especially as travellers worldwide demonstrate an increasing preference for diversity-driven and inclusive travel experiences.
Thailand stands on the brink of a significant transformation as it becomes the third country in Asia to embrace marriage equality. This progressive move positions Thailand as a welcoming oasis for LGBTQIA+ couples from neighboring nations who wish to commemorate their love in a country that actively recognizes and celebrates same-sex marriages. Renowned for its stunning landscapes and vibrant culture, many of Thailand’s cities have already gained a reputation as premier destination wedding spots. With the introduction of marriage equality, the wedding industry in Thailand is poised for remarkable growth, potentially invigorating related sectors such as hospitality, catering, and entertainment. This legislation not only marks a milestone for equality but also promises to enhance the country’s economy and cultural diversity.
Timothy Hughes, Vice President of Corporate Development at Agoda and Executive Sponsor for Agoda Pride said: “The LGBTQIA+ community is a powerful economic force with a strong appetite for travel. While already a popular destination for LGBTQIA+ travellers, this move is expected to further solidify Thailand’s reputation as an inclusive holiday option. At Agoda, we are excited to see the substantive economic impact that the influx of travellers will have on local businesses and communities. We will continue working with our local partners to deliver exceptional travel experiences for this community.”
Informed by discussions with prominent figures from the industry, including representatives from Bangkok Pride, the report underscores the potential advantages of the proposed legislation. By paving the way for large-scale events like WorldPride, this initiative could significantly enhance global visibility and awareness around LGBTIQIA+ issues. Historically, such events have demonstrated their capacity to substantially elevate LGBTQIA+ tourism and consumer spending in the countries that host them, creating vibrant opportunities for communities and local economies alike.
“The enactment of the Marriage Equality Act marks a monumental step forward for Thailand, not only in advancing equal rights for the LGBTQIA+ community but also in solidifying the nation’s reputation as a truly inclusive and safe destination,” said Waaddao Chumaporn, President and Founder of Naruemit Pride and Organizer of Bangkok Pride Festival 2024. “By embracing diversity and ensuring that all couples, regardless of gender or orientation, have equal rights in marriage, Thailand demonstrates its leadership in championing progress and human dignity. We believe this bold move will inspire deeper trust, attract more visitors, and encourage meaningful engagement with our vibrant culture.”
Henry Koh, Executive Director, International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA) Asia said: “The unfortunate reality is that more than half of LGBTQIA+ travellers from the Asia Pacific region have experienced some sort of discrimination while travelling, making safety a key consideration for them as they travel. By enacting this pivotal legislative change, Thailand is establishing itself as a secure and preferred destination that can provide them with the otherwise unavailable opportunity to conduct a destination wedding, for example.”
Leading public policy consultancy, Access Partnership calculated the report findings through an analysis of countries that have enacted marriage equality laws. This analysis revealed an average increase of approximately 10% in international visitor arrivals two years after the legislation came into force.
Further, studies indicate that tourists are more likely to visit countries that support LGBTQIA+ rights, with 43% of LGBTQIA+ travellers cancelling trips when they perceive a destination as unsupportive of LGBTQIA+ rights.
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Read: How to get a CENOMAR in the Philippines (Certificate of No Marriage)
