ONE Championship touts $470m tourism boost for Thailand

ONE Championship chief executive Chatri Sityodtong says martial arts promotion does more than organise fighting competitions in Bangkok — it’s now a key engine for Thailand’s tourism economy.

- NICK ATKIN

According to a new report commissioned by Nielsen and shared this month, ONE Championship generates an estimated US$470 million annually in economic value for Thailand through its slate of combat sports events, including its primetime cards at Lumpinee Stadium.

Mr Chatri described the findings as a "validation" of what he already believed.

"Without a doubt, ONE is the largest and most consistent driver of tourism, investment and awareness for Thailand on the global stage via our weekly broadcast to more than 190 countries and our rabid fan base of 500 million people around the world," he told the Bangkok Post.

"Our live events, coupled with our superstar heroes and global content engine, continue to drive Thailand's economy forward and bring prestige, honour and glory to Thailand."