Thailand Prepares for Tourism Boom After Filming of “The White Lotus” Season Three

Now that the fictional guests of “The White Lotus” Season Three have checked out of their luxurious Thai resort, the country is gearing up to welcome real tourists. The series recently wrapped filming at several locations in Thailand, and though it won’t air until next year, hotels and tour operators are already preparing for a surge in interest.

The first two seasons of the show were filmed at Four Seasons properties in Maui and Sicily, turning those locations into popular tourist destinations. Similarly, fans are eager to visit Thailand before the show’s third season airs. “You still can’t get into the Four Seasons in Taormina – it’s completely booked,” says Misty Belles, spokeswoman for Virtuoso, a global network of luxury advisers. “We’re waiting for Thailand to go crazy because everyone knows as soon as White Lotus comes out, you won’t be able to get in.”

Virtuoso’s bookings to Thailand this year have increased by 38% from 2023, driven primarily by American travelers. Luxury travel agency Black Tomato, which specializes in “set-jetting” holidays, reported a 44% spike in sales to Thailand in the first four months of this year compared to last year, with prices rising by about 15%.

Guests are particularly interested in booking at the Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui and the Anantara Mai Khao, both rumored to be featured in the upcoming season. Availability at these properties is tightening, with Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui seeing a 39% increase in bookings from Virtuoso clients.

Leading Hotels of the World, a collection of high-end hotels, reported a 25% increase in searches for its six properties in Thailand after news broke that the show was being filmed there. The Tourism Authority of Thailand also noted increased interest, especially in Koh Samui, Phuket, and Bangkok.

Despite challenges like waste management and water shortages in Koh Samui, the island is preparing for the influx. Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has pledged support to address these issues, aiming to enhance infrastructure and ensure a positive experience for visitors.

The influence of “The White Lotus” is evident in the rising demand for travel to Thailand, reflecting the show’s ability to spotlight exotic locations. With its picturesque beaches and vibrant culture, Thailand is set to become the next must-visit destination for fans of the series.

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