Thailand’s same-sex marriage law, set to take effect in January 2025, could attract an additional four million tourists to the country annually, according to a report commissioned by travel agency Agoda.
A report released Thursday estimates that the country’s marriage equality law could increase tourist arrivals by 10% and generate $2 billion in additional tourism revenue annually within two years.
In attendance is expected to be not just same-sex couples and their wedding guests, but also people from the broader LGBTQ community and beyond.
The report, titled “Economic Impact of Marriage Equality on Thailand’s Tourism Industry,” states that “Thailand is more than just a vacation spot for travelers seeking a place where they can feel truly accepted.” “The number of people working overseas and expatriates will continue to increase.” ”
Thailand’s new law is expected to add 76,000 full-time jobs to the tourism industry and boost gross domestic product by 0.3%, according to a report by public policy consultancy Access Partnership.
The new law makes Thailand the third country in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage, following Taiwan in 2019 and Nepal, albeit more limitedly, in 2023. The law will also recognize the rights of same-sex couples in relation to adoption. , Medical Care and Inheritance.
Impact calculation
To calculate the potential economic impact of Thailand’s new law, the report looked at the impact of same-sex marriage rulings on other countries.
“Other markets, such as New Zealand and the United States, have seen significant increases in same-sex marriages following the introduction of marriage equality laws,” Timothy Hughes, vice president of corporate development at Agoda, told CNBC Travel. Ta.
New Zealand legalized same-sex marriage in 2013, but by 2016 the majority of same-sex marriages in the country were for visitors, the report said.
Australians accounted for more than half (58%) of same-sex marriages in New Zealand between 2013 and 2017, according to a report citing Statistics New Zealand. This figure fell to 26% in 2017 after Australia passed its own same-sex marriage law, the report said.
More than 3.6 billion people live within a five-hour flight from Thailand in markets without marriage equality.
timothy hughes
Agoda Vice President of Business Development
Agoda’s report also analyzed other factors that influence international travelers, including the attractiveness of the destination, travel affordability, ease of entry, and perceived level of acceptance of LGBTQIA+ issues.
Assessing the impact of homosexuality laws on tourism in Thailand
1. Attractiveness: Attractiveness as a travel destination
2. Accessibility: Ease of entry with visa-free benefits
3. Affordability: Travel costs in relation to other countries
4. Availability of alternatives: proximity of other viable destinations.
Finally, the report also considered the availability of viable alternative destinations for same-sex couples in the region.
“More than 3.6 billion people live within a five-hour flight of Thailand in markets without marriage equality,” Hughes said.
He highlighted the economic opportunities from Indian travelers and predicted that Thailand would become a top destination “for Indian LGBTQIA+ couples and those ready to celebrate with them.”
“A once-in-a-lifetime strategic opportunity”
For some, planning has already begun.
Ang Chumaporn, a Thai rights activist and co-founder of Bangkok Pride, plans to hold a mass wedding event for same-sex couples on January 23, 2025 (the first day marriages can be registered). He said the group is planning it.
“We have enrolled over 300 couples and our goal is to reach 1,000 couples nationwide,” she told CNBC Travel. “International couples have already registered.”
The Thai government also announced that the global Pride event, which brought in AU$185.6 million ($120 million) in revenue for New South Wales when it was held in Sydney in 2023, Agoda reported. They also have their sights set on hosting World Pride.
Agoda’s Timothy Hughes said evidence from other markets shows that couples travel to marry abroad, even if the marriage is not legally recognized in their home country.
Ezra Akayan | Getty Images News | Getty Images
According to the report, rainbow tourism, as it is known, is worth $200 billion worldwide.
In an era of intense competition for tourists, especially those splurging on weddings and related celebrations, Thailand has a “unique strategic opportunity”, said Marcus Ng, director of Access Partnerships. Ta.
“While we cannot predict what will happen in other markets, what this report shows is that inclusivity has clear economic benefits for both the tourism sector and the economy as a whole.”
