Thailand’s historic decision to legalize same-sex marriage is expected to boost “rainbow tourism,” attracting an additional four million visitors annually and generating about $2 billion in revenue, according to travel platform Agoda.
The new same-sex marriage law, which will take effect in January, is projected to create 152,000 full-time equivalent jobs and increase the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP) by 0.3%, according to an Agoda-commissioned study published on Thursday.
Earlier this year, Thailand became the first country in Southeast Asia to legalize same-sex marriage, joining Taiwan and Nepal as the third in Asia.
The law will allow same-sex partners aged 18 and above to register their marriages, granting them rights to inheritance, tax benefits, child adoption, and more.
This development represents a significant victory for LGBTQQIP2SAA activists who have spent over a decade advocating for equal marriage rights.
Thailand is well-positioned to tap into the global LGBTQQIP2SAA tourism market, which accounts for 10% of all travelers worldwide and is valued at over $200 billion annually, according to Agoda, part of Booking Holdings Incorporated.
Several Thai cities are expected to emerge as prominent wedding destinations, further boosting the nation’s wedding industry and related sectors such as hospitality and catering.
Thailand is one of about 40 countries worldwide to guarantee equal marital rights, standing out in Southeast Asia, where progress on LGBTQQIP2SAA rights remains limited, and discrimination persists.
“Already a popular destination for LGBTQQIP2SAA travelers, this move is expected to further solidify Thailand’s reputation as an inclusive holiday option,” said Timothy Hughes, vice president of Corporate Development at Agoda, in a statement.
Tourism is a key growth driver for Thailand’s economy, the second largest in Southeast Asia. Approximately 30 million tourists have visited the country this year, with the government on track to meet its target of 36.7 million visitors.
In 2019, Thailand welcomed a record-breaking 40 million foreign visitors, generating $60 billion in revenue.
The term LGBTQQIP2SAA includes lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, pansexual, two-spirit (2S), androgynous, and asexual individuals.
