Bangkok: Krungthai Card Public Company Limited (KTC) has reported a significant increase in credit card spending by Thai travelers in Australia and New Zealand, rising by more than 21% in the first two months of this year. The increase is attributed to the growing popularity of these destinations among Thai people, who seek inspiration through art, food culture, and education for families.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Warittha Pattanarat, Chief Marketing Officer at KTC, highlighted that Thai travelers are increasingly prioritizing meaningful travel experiences. Australia and New Zealand have emerged as preferred destinations for those looking to gain inspiration from art, cultural cuisine, and educational opportunities for children. The KTC credit card spending in Australia is set to continue its upward trend, supported by initiatives like KTC's educational support in New Zealand through the KTC WORLD Travel Service.
In collaboration with Qantas, KTC is offering special privileges to cater to new-age travelers, including a 1,000-baht discount per person on Qantas flight bookings to Australia and New Zealand. The package includes a FIT Package for Australia or New Zealand, which features Qantas flight tickets, four nights' accommodation, priced at 40,000 baht per person, limited to 10 couples or 20 people. Booking is available from April 1 to June 30, 2025, with travel dates from April 1 to November 30, 2025.
Simon Smith, Qantas General Manager for South East Asia and South Asia, noted that Qantas has been operating flights from Thailand for over 65 years, with over 700 flights annually, accommodating more than 180,000 passengers. The daily service from Bangkok to Sydney is designed to facilitate easy connections to a wide range of destinations across Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands.
Ms. Donnah Siempa, President of the Australian-Thai Chamber of Commerce and Head of Education at Ascot International School Bangkok, emphasized the role of educational development in Australia and the region as a key motivator for family travelers. This aligns with Qantas and KTC's 'Travel as Learning' concept, which promotes the idea that travel can transform perspectives, inspire, and add value to life.
Ms. Samantha Proyrungpong, founder of Bangkok Foodies, pointed out that Australia is renowned for its diverse food culture, serving as a hub for global culinary traditions. This presents opportunities for the food business to bridge Thai and Australian cultures. Sydney and Melbourne are noted for their vibrant Thai restaurant communities, which underscore the strong cultural ties and acceptance between the two nations.
