Airbnb and the Tourism Authority of Thailand support digital nomad travel rebound with Living and Working in Thailand guide

By Judy J. Beasley Last updated Jan 14, 2023

BANGKOK, THAILAND – The rise of remote working is a growing opportunity for countries and regions, and one that Thailand is capitalizing on with a unique partnership between Airbnb and the Tourism Authority of Thailand. Seeking to attract more remote workers and long-term travelers to Thailand, the two parties have co-launched a dedicated “Living and Working in Thailand” digital information guide.

With Thailand targeting 20 million international arrivals this year and Bangkok currently ranking as the fifth most popular travel destination in the world on Airbnb in 2023*, tourism and extended stays (stays over 28 days) remain essential to the country’s economic recovery. Notably, data from Airbnb in 2022 showed growing interest in long-term stays across the country – nights booked for long-term stays in non-urban areas roughly doubled in Thailand in the second quarter of 2022, in increase compared to the second quarter of 2019 before the pandemic**. While Bangkok, Phuket and Chiang Mai generally rank among the most popular long-stay destinations, destinations outside the major metropolitan centers of Koh Pha Ngan, Koh Lanta and Krabi were also popular for staycations. of long duration in the second quarter of last year.**

The new Airbnb and TAT “Living and Working Anywhere” guide aims to provide key information for remote workers, including digital nomads, who aspire to live and work in Thailand – including practical information on the economy and infrastructure of the country, affordable living, culture and heritage, and advice on travel and leisure. The guide also includes resources for long-term visas, tax information, and language. It highlights the variety of long-term stay options available, including on Airbnb, and showcases cities currently popular with remote workers as well as lesser-known but equally compelling options, making the guide an essential one-stop resource. for anyone interested in remote work. Thailand.

Yuthasak SupasornGovernor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, said: “The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is delighted to partner with Airbnb in this global initiative to raise awareness of Thailand as a destination of choice for digital nomads and remote workers. Many Thai destinations , including Bangkok and Koh Pha Ngan in Surat Thani province, are already ranked worldwide as the best hotspots for digital nomads, and we are committed to promoting this priority through our “Visit Thailand” campaign. Year 2023: Amazing New Chapters”. Together, we will continue to work to lead Thailand towards more sustainable and responsible tourism”.

Mich GohAirbnb’s head of public policy for Southeast Asia, India, Hong Kong and Taiwan, said: “Thailand is one of the best choices for remote workers and digital nomads around the world, who are looking for more flexibility in where they live and work. In partnership with the Tourism Authority of Thailand, we support the growth of long-term travelers wanting to live and work in Thailand, while generating tourism and economic benefits to more destinations and local communities across the country.

Airbnb recently launched a host guide with tips for hosts on how to support remote workers. The global company also released Guide to Live and Work Anywhere: How Communities Can Benefit from Airbnb’s Remote Workers, a guide for governments and destinations outlining recommendations on how communities can benefit economically. the increase in the number of remote workers. The guide is based on Airbnb’s insights, data, and experiences in partnering with 20 destinations around the world, including Thailand, that harness the potential of remote working, as well as a review of global telecommuting programs .

*Based on guest searches conducted Q1-3 2022 for future 2023 registrations, compared to guest searches conducted Q1-3 2021 for 2022 registrations.
**Based on Airbnb internal data on searches for stays in Thailand by international and domestic travelers as of July 2022.

Theodore is co-founder and editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and long-term opportunity planning for TravelDailyNews.