# Thailand Ranks Among Asia Pacific’s Top 5 Travel Destinations in Visa 2026 Study

- Link: https://www.thailand-business-news.com/tourism/318226-thailand-ranks-among-asia-pacifics-top-5-travel-destinations-in-visa-2026-study
- Published: 2026-07-03T14:15:00+07:00
- Author: Tourism Authority of Thailand

**The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) celebrates Visa’s 2026 study, ranking 
Thailand among top Asian-Pacific destinations. Emphasizing familiarity and unique
experiences, TAT supports quality tourism, digital payments, and flexible travel.**

### Thailand’s Popularity Among Asia Pacific Travelers

Bangkok, 2 July 2026 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is celebrating Thailand’s
recognition in Visa’s 2026 Global Travel Intentions study. This study highlights
Thailand as one of the top five destinations for Asia Pacific travellers, showcasing
a strong demand for convenient and enriching experiences. With over 47,000 respondents,
including more than 17,000 from the Asia Pacific region, the study reveals a shift
towards intentional travel planning, emphasizing familiarity and practical choices.

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### Shifts in Travel Planning and Payment Trends

The study shows 63% of Asia-Pacific respondents prefer regional travel, ranking 
Thailand alongside popular destinations like Japan and Australia. Notably, 37% of
travelers prioritize local experiences such as food and culture, surpassing the 
global average. The use of AI in planning is growing, with travelers seeking detailed
information on accommodations and travel requirements. Digital payments are pivotal,
with 73% of respondents carrying cards or mobile wallets, aligning with Thailand’s“
Pay Like a Local” initiative for seamless tourist experiences.

### Enhancing Thailand’s Travel Experience

Visa’s findings support TAT’s vision of quality-led tourism, focusing on providing
meaningful and culturally rich experiences. The emphasis is on wellness, gastronomy,
and local connections, aligning with the “Healing is the New Luxury” concept. TAT
is enhancing its approach through targeted communication, digital convenience, and
promoting lesser-known destinations. As travelers value flexibility, opportunities
abound for inspiring spending on local dining and unique experiences, reinforcing
Thailand’s appeal as a trusted, well-rounded travel destination.

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**Source** : [Thailand ranks among Asia Pacific travellers’ top five destinations in Visa study](https://www.tatnews.org/2026/07/thailand-ranks-among-asia-pacific-travellers-top-five-destinations-in-visa-study/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=thailand-ranks-among-asia-pacific-travellers-top-five-destinations-in-visa-study&rand=55352)