As Thailand aims for a record-breaking 40 million tourists in 2025, fresh New Zealanders are flocking to the country for its perfect blend of experience, society, and affordability.
According to the most recent study from the Asia New Zealand Foundation, Asia is the place where Kiwi holidaymakers spend the most time outside of Oceania.
Fresh New Zealanders are the main trendsetters, and involvement in globe travel is growing each year.
In particular, Thailand has become a favorite destination among Kiwi graduates.
To commemorate the end of his college education, Max Weinstein, 21, chose” The Land of Smiles” for his first guitar go venture.
” For a young traveller, it’s great. It’s inexpensive and far enough apart that you’re getting a various social experience”, Mr Weinstein said.
” There is something special about Asia with its fine balance between fun, relaxing and sightseeing. I don’t believe you will find several locations with such a compromise.
The top five” Must Dos” in Thailand are highlighted in the” Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025″ campaign from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports: 1. Must Beat ( Muaythai ), 2. Must Eat ( Thai food ), 3. Must Seek ( Thai culture ), 4. Must Buy ( Thai fabrics ), and 5. Must See ( Thai shows ).
In his first quarter of go, Mr Weinstein has ticked off almost all the five “must-dos”, his show being” Must View” with the Chiang Mai Cabaret present.
” The players were amazing, and the power was electric”, Mr Weinstein said.
Travelling only, he feared he would fight to meet different people, however, with Thailand being a blooming hub for young vacationers, Mr Weinstein says he has scarcely felt alone.
” It’s amazing that I developed such strong friendships in such a short period of time. The highlight of those friendships would be the happiness you experience. I’ve been lucky enough to feel that multiple times in Thailand”, he said.
Statistics NZ says 37, 797 Kiwis jetted off to Thailand between Jan-Oct 2024, making Thailand the 12th most visited country for New Zealand travellers.
Karina Ahn, 21, and a group of girlfriends also chose Thailand.
We wanted to travel somewhere comfortable and affordable, and we’ve heard it’s a fun place to be in January with lots of people our age, Ms. Ahn said.
Thailand is the hotspot for youth, with boat trips, beach hopping, temple exploring by day, and bustling nightlife.
There are some notable differences between Thailand and New Zealand, as well as the large amounts of garbage, in terms of affordability and the significance of religion. ” It was super sad to see rubbish everywhere”, Ms Ahn said.
However, it was how the locals interact with locals that both Ms. Weinstein and Ms. Ahn admired most.
” In New Zealand, we are sort of known for being nice, but Thai people take that to the absolute next level”, said Mr Weinstein.
Ms Ahn said she always felt secure.
” People were super helpful, and we always felt safe,’ ‘ she said.
Thailand’s tourism sector accounts for almost 20 % of its GDP, however, due to the impacts of Covid-19 the nation has struggled to recover.
Thailand’s ambitious goal of attracting 40 million foreign visitors this year is the subject, and it will require investment in infrastructure and simplified visa procedures.
Asia NZ’s survey says 75 % of New Zealanders see Asia as important or very important to New Zealand’s future, and six in 10 have visited Asia primarily for leisure.
This shows progress since April 2024, when Thailand’s previous premier, Srettha Thavisin, and New Zealand’s prime minister, Christopher Luxon, agreed to foster cooperation in tourism between the nations.
Mr. Weinstein has had a few difficulties while visiting Thailand. He believes the hardest part has always been choosing where to go next, despite the obvious language barrier.
It has been really helpful to know other travelers and finding out where they have been and what they liked and didn’t like, he said.
” In terms of actual logistics, it’s much easier to navigate Thailand than New Zealand, “he said.
The” Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025″ campaign appears well-positioned to meet its ambitious goals, including generating 3.4 trillion baht in revenue and the 40 million visitors figure, with New Zealanders increasingly drawn to Asia and Thailand investing in its tourism infrastructure.
In the first 19 days of 2025, 2.1 million tourists arrived in Thailand, generating around 107 billion baht in revenue.