Thai Destination Wedding Sector Grows

Thai Destination Wedding Sector Grows

According to figures released during two recent major wedding shows in Thailand, the Kingdom’s destination wedding market is expanding with increasing numbers of couples heading to the country to say their vows.

According to TAT figures, the global wedding industry is valued at US$298 billion, with $80 billion of that figure coming directly from destination weddings. Thailand ranks as one of the world’s top six countries for weddings and honeymoons, and is already Asia’s top destination for such events and it is also emerging as a favourite destination for couples from the Middle Eastern and African countries.

“This year, there is a strong record for selling weddings and honeymoons from major source markets such as the United States, Canada, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, France the United Arab Emirates, Australia, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia and Indonesia,” says Juthaporn Rerngronasa, the deputy governor for international marketing at the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).

The Kingdom is now home to a growing number of plush resorts and luxury private rental villas, both of which appeal to brides and grooms searching for a romantic wedding venue. In fact, a growing number of property owners in places like Phuket and Koh Samui are renting out their lavish, beachside properties to cater to high demand for private weddings.

While some couples still choose to get married one of the Kingdom’s many international chain resorts, private villas provide a more bespoke experience for those that want to plan unique ceremonies that cater to their own personal needs, and those of their guests. Privacy is another of the added benefits that Thailand’s most high-end villas provide, as the property is closed off to those who are not invited to the wedding. This means that the bride, groom and their guests are free to make the most of the exclusive facilities.

Many of Thailand’s top private holiday properties are also linked to wedding planning agencies, so the couple can liaise with their professional wedding planner from back home. Having a wedding planner based in Thailand with a wealth of local knowledge and contacts also helps to ensure the couple have plenty of choice when it comes to planning exactly how they would like to celebrate on their big day.