As the most influential community of travel advisors serving luxury leisure, corporate, and entertainment clients worldwide, Global Travel Collection (GTC) carefully tracks client booking patterns, future travel trends, and emerging destinations. The company has gained key insights into how The White Lotus Season 3 is shaping travel trends, especially boosting interest in Thailand for GTC clients in 2024, 2025 and beyond.
Thailand’s popularity as a premier travel destination remained strong in 2024, ranking #22 in international sales with $2 million in hotel bookings for GTC clients. The country saw peak travel in January and December, reinforcing its status as a top winter getaway.
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts properties in Thailand have experienced significant growth, with January bookings up 68% year-over-year. Thailand’s tour sector also delivered a solid performance in 2024, ranking #24 with $1 million in sales. Tours were most in demand during January, February, and December — aligning with peak travel seasons. With monsoon conditions from June through August, November to February remains the most sought-after travel window for visitors seeking Thailand’s best weather and experiences.
“By analyzing booking trends and uncovering the unique offerings of emerging destinations, Global Travel Collection and our valuable advisors stay ahead of the curve in curating exceptional travel experiences,” said Angie Licea, President, Global Travel Collection. “Some top hotel brands in the destination, such as the Mandarin Oriental and Marriott International, are seeing an over 1,000 percent increase in hotel sales with average daily rates close to $2,000.
As 2025 unfolds, Thailand remains a highly desirable destination, with evolving travel patterns and increasing interest in luxury accommodations. Many of Global Travel Collection’s advisors are closely tracking the Thailand trends and observing the rise in interest for Thailand.
“Plan ahead and book early,” said Global Travel Collection advisors Shawn Goldberg and Michelle Rosenbaum. Since Season 3 was announced, they have seen a dramatic increase in interest in Thailand overall, especially in Koh Samui. Goldberg’s and Rosenbaum’s clients’ days are filled with private tours — food, market and temple tours are popular in Bangkok — and a Thai boxing match is always fun. In Chiang Mai, clients love the elephant experiences. “And clients are spending for an 8-to-10-day luxury trip (staying at all 5-star hotels and private tours), which for a family of four averages $50,000 in high season and between 30k to $40,000 for 4-star/entry level/5-star properties (international air excluded),” added Goldberg and Rosenbaum.
“Since the tiniest hint that this season of The White Lotus was in Koh Samui, Thailand has been one of our most requested honeymoon destinations,” said Global Travel Collection advisors Kara Bebell and Harlan DeBell, The Travel Siblings.
“So many couples overlook Chiang Rai and it’s one of our top recommended regions, where we suggest the Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp or the Four Seasons Tented Camp. It’s the perfect romantic setting, especially having the elephants to themselves in the jungle on the Golden Triangle, added The Travel Siblings.
Victoria Zindell, owner of Luxury Ventures Travel, an independent agency of Global Travel Collection, is seeing increased interest among her clients since this destination has been featured in the upcoming trailers and media surrounding The White Lotus.
Among the top hotels Zindell is booking in Thailand are The Siam Hotel, Capella Bangkok, The Peninsula Bangkok, Four Seasons, Banyan Tree, Six Senses Koh Samui and Rosewood Phuket. With clients, typical spending is around $1,000+ per person per day, Zindell shared.
“The Four Seasons Maui skyrocketed after the show aired and I anticipate the same,” said Vikram Seshadri, a Global Travel Collection advisor. Vikram sees the show as catalyst for honeymooners and families to want to visit Thailand, given it is a bucket list destination for many and an exotic locale that’s safe, relatively inexpensive and features incredible beaches, food and culture.
“Thailand has so much diversity in nature and experiences that even a two-week trip won’t allow one to see it all. Visitors staying longer can experience a cross-section of Thailand’s top highlights, including the vibrant and cosmopolitan Bangkok, known for its world-class hotels, bustling nightlife, and stunning temples. From there, travelers can explore well-known beach destinations like Koh Samui in the Gulf of Siam, or Phuket and Krabi on the Bay of Bengal — each home to beautiful beach resorts. Time permitting, a visit to Northern Thailand is a must, with options to immerse in the cultural hub of Chiang Mai, or venture further to one of the luxury tented camps along the Burmese border in Chiang Rai,” added Seshardi.
