Thai travellers are reshaping their outbound itineraries, with theme parks emerging as the central draw rather than a side excursion. According to booking data from digital travel platform Agoda, Shanghai Disney Resort was the most-booked activity among Thai tourists in the first half of 2026, reflecting a broader shift in travel behaviour across Asia.
Agoda's figures place Hong Kong Disneyland Park and Universal Studios Singapore as the next most popular choices for Thai travellers. This preference is not isolated to Thailand; across the region, parks such as Tokyo Disney Resort and Lotte World in South Korea have also topped booking lists, underscoring the widespread appeal of immersive entertainment experiences.
Theme Parks as Primary Travel Motivators
Akaporn Rodkong, Country Director for Thailand and Indochina at Agoda, noted: "In the first half of 2026, theme parks have moved from being a travel option to being a travel reason for Asian travellers." This shift is mirrored by inbound tourists to Thailand, who are increasingly drawn to unique local experiences such as Bangkok's Skyflyers Giant Swing and Phuket's marine attractions.
The trend aligns with broader industry moves to cater to experience-driven travellers. For example, Travel + Leisure Co. Launches First Club Wyndham Resort in Thailand, offering new accommodation options for visitors seeking both theme park thrills and resort relaxation.
Beyond theme parks, other popular activities include Vietnam's Sun World Fansipan Legend and Malaysia's Aquaria KLCC, indicating a growing interest in nature-led and wildlife experiences. Agoda offers over 300,000 experiences and has partnered with Hong Kong Disneyland to provide exclusive deals, further enhancing travel options for tourists exploring Asia.
For travel professionals, this data signals an opportunity to package theme park visits with complementary services. Hoteliers and tour operators can consider bundling park tickets with accommodation, while airlines serving routes like Bangkok–Shanghai or Bangkok–Hong Kong may see increased demand. The shift also suggests that destinations with iconic theme parks—such as Shanghai, Hong Kong, Singapore, Tokyo, and Seoul—will continue to attract a larger share of Thai outbound traffic.
As the travel industry adapts to this trend, partnerships between digital platforms and park operators become crucial. Agoda's collaboration with Hong Kong Disneyland exemplifies how exclusive deals can drive bookings. Similarly, Southampton Cruise Centre Secures SailorMade Trademark as Cruise-Stay Bookings Surge 800% highlights how integrated travel products are gaining traction across sectors.
For Thai travellers, the data confirms that theme parks are no longer just an add-on—they are the reason to travel. Industry stakeholders should take note and adjust their offerings accordingly.
