Visa card spending per visitor rises in Thailand

Visa Thailand has observed slower growth in Visa card payments made by inbound tourists, in line with stagnant foreign tourist arrivals.

- SOMRUEDI BANCHONGDUANG

However, spending per visitor has increased, supported by “higher quality travellers”, said the card company.

In April and May this year, foreign tourist spending in Thailand using Visa cards grew by 10% year-on-year, slowing from 15% growth in the first quarter and 20% growth in 2024.

This deceleration in growth reflects a decline in international arrivals, according to Visa Thailand’s data.

Punnamas Vichitkulwongsa, country manager for Visa Thailand, said despite a static volume, spending per traveller continues to rise, consistent with the evolving lifestyles and spending behaviour of foreign visitors.

In 2024, US tourists recorded the highest spending via Visa cards among all international travellers, followed by those from the United Arab Emirates and Singapore.