After lacking out on Taylor Swift’s world tour, Thailand has sealed offers to host Summer season Sonic and Tomorrowland music festivals because it pushes event-driven tourism to propel Southeast Asia’s second-largest economic system.
Summer Sonic will come to Southeast Asia for the primary time in its second enterprise outdoors of Japan, with dates set for Aug. 24 and 25 in Bangkok after reveals in Tokyo and Osaka, in response to Thai authorities spokesman Chai Wacharonke. Thailand will even be internet hosting dance music competition Tomorrowland in 2026, which can be solely the primary of 10 consecutive editions, Chai mentioned in a press release on Saturday.
The push got here after Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who took workplace in September, recognized measures corresponding to visa waivers for vacationers as “quick wins” to stimulate Thailand’s economic system, which he has repeatedly mentioned is in a “crisis.” Thailand, which has seen a median progress in need of 2% up to now decade in a area the place a tempo upwards of 4% is the norm, has pushed promotional campaigns to increase holidaymakers’ keep and year-round festivals to spice up the variety of international vacationers.
Srettha beforehand bemoaned that Thailand had missed out on Taylor Swift’s record-breaking Eras Tour, which made Singapore its only stop in Southeast Asia resulting from an unique association with the neighboring nation.
Tycoon-turned-politician Srettha has referred to as Singapore’s transfer “smart” and mentioned Thailand ought to search to emulate such methods to herald vacationers and increase its economic system.
Thailand’s very important tourism business accounts for 12% of the nation’s gross home product. This yr, the nation aims to welcome 35 to 40 million international vacationers, edging close to a pre-pandemic report of 40 million guests.
