Spending Up in Amazing Thailand Grand Sale 2011

The Amazing Thailand Grand Sale 2011 began on a positive note with a spend of US$95.8 million by foreign Visa cardholders during the first weeks of the Grand Sale, a 62% increase on the same period in 2010.

The US$95.8 million spend signals strong performances in the tourism and retail industries this year. Visa cardholders from Japan, the US and Australia were the top three spenders and the top three spend categories were lodging, airlines and retail, which includes sales at duty free shops and department stores.

Somboon Krobteeranon, Country Manager, Thailand, Visa said, “The strong start to this year’s Amazing Grand Sale 2011 shows that Thailand is becoming an increasingly popular shopping destination for travelers in Asia. As the preferred partner for the Amazing Thailand Grand Sale 2011, we are delighted that this year’s event has shown that confidence in the country has returned and Visa is committed to putting Thailand back at the top of the list of premier shopping destinations in the region.”

During the annual shopping extravaganza, Visa and Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) have launched a series of promotions and prizes for all shoppers. These include the “30-Day Experience Amazing Thailand Holiday” prize which is open to overseas shoppers and the chance to win a THB 1 million gift voucher for local shoppers. To qualify for either draw, shoppers simply need to spend THB 500 on a single receipt between 15 June and 15 August 2011 at participating merchants for one chance at winning. Shoppers can enjoy double chances when they pay with their Visa card.

Top 10 contributors to visitor spending in Thailand during the first week of the Grand Sale, as measured by spending on Visa-branded payment cards were:

1. Japan
2. USA
3. Australia
4. Singapore
5. United Kingdom
6. South Korea
7. Hong Kong
8. France
9. United Arab Emirates
10. Malaysia

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