Over 900,000 Indian tourists visited Thailand prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, with a significant number flocking to the popular travel destination of Pattaya. In fact, around 600,000 of these visitors were drawn to Pattaya, making it the third most frequented destination after Chinese and Russian tourists. This is partly due to the fact that Indian tourists have been visiting Pattaya since 1965, making it one of the earliest markets for Thai tourism.
According to officials from the Pattaya Office, Indian tourists to Pattaya can be divided into two groups: seminar attendees and FIT travelers. The seminar groups tend to arrive between May and August, with another influx at the end of the year. These groups can be found in various locations throughout Pattaya, from North Pattaya to Central Pattaya, South Pattaya and Pratumnak Hill.
Meanwhile, FIT travelers tend to stay in the Central Pattaya and South Pattaya areas, and are more likely to be traveling year-round. Despite the variance in travel styles, the price of accommodations in Pattaya is considered to be affordable for both types of visitors.
Ms. Anoma, a representative from the Pattaya Office, said that Indian tourists tend to spend around 2,000-3,000 baht per person per day if attending a seminar, due to the added expense of gala dinners. However, FIT travelers generally spend around 1,000-2,000 baht per person per day. This spending includes accommodation, food, and travel to various places in Pattaya such as Nong Nooch Garden, Pattaya, Alcazar, and Koh Larn, among others.
Moreover, many Indian tourists also enjoy leisure activities like golfing, which the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has actively promoted to this market. With golf being considered a quality market for Indian tourists to spend money on, the TAT has recently been targeting golf enthusiasts as part of their marketing efforts.
Looking ahead, it is expected that at least 600,000 Indian tourists will visit Pattaya this year, though this is subject to change due to the ongoing impact of the pandemic. Nonetheless, Pattaya remains a popular destination for Indian tourists seeking affordable accommodations and a variety of activities to enjoy during their travels.
