Bangkok--26 Aug--Spark Communications
Phones and compact cameras are most popular gadgets for travelers from Thailand
The need to stay connected at every corner of the globe, has made technology both a trusty companion and an indispensable resource for leisure travelers. According to Visa’s Global Travel Intentions Study 2013,phones are the top choice as a holiday companion for Thai travelers (82 percent), followed by cameras (77 percent), computers (52 percent), and entertainment devices (30 percent).
Gadgets are used to find essential information and easily share their travel experiences with friends and family which is why 70 percent of Thaitravelers take a smartphone with them.These tourists are also particularly tech-savvy with 86 percent choosing to check-in online while abroad. This emerging trend is not just limited to the trip itself, Thai travelers are even keener to share their experiences with 92 percent updating the web with their adventures after returning from their trips.
Internet capability also rates highly when deciding which gadgets to bring on holiday, coming in as the top consideration for global affluent travelers (45 percent) ahead of gadget size and weight — possibly due to the 25 percent who require access to internet banking while away. First-time travelers, however, listed size as being the most important factor (41 percent). For Thai travelers, 83 percent relied on internet sources for information during their trips and chose mobile phones and compact cameras as the top items on their must have list.
Online sources such as travel review, service provider and official tourism websites are used by 86 percent of Thaitravelers for trip planning and 81 percent for bookings of independent travel. Overall, travelers from Asia Pacific are the most tech-savvy - 80 percent using online sources for trip planning, 76 percent using online sources for booking trip, and 73 percent accessing online source during trip.
“Technology has changed the way we live our lives, including our travel experiences. Particularly for Thai travelers who access online sources to plan their trips, and for information during their trips, and also share their holiday experiences online through various social media after their trips. More Thais are planning and booking their trips online, up to 92% also share their experiences online upon their return. Visa aims to enhance this experience with special travel campaigns that are aligned with the modern Thai travelers’ needs,” says Somboon Krobteeranon, Visa Country Manager Myanmar and Thailand.