JAKARTA - Visa has launched its Visa Destinations site in Thailand, making the country the first Asia-Pacific market for the travel offers service, according to a company release published on May 5.

The site gives Visa cardholders offers for hotels, restaurants, wellness services, shopping, entertainment, and transport. Visa said Singapore is scheduled to follow in 2026 with the service already running in Paris (France), London (England), and Dubai (United Arab Emirates).

“We’re seeing more travellers spend more time in destinations closer to home, choosing experiences that are deeper and more authentic, reflecting their personal passion points, beliefs, and values,” said T. R. Ramachandran, Visa Asia Pacific head of products and solutions.

Thailand gives Visa a launch point in one of Asia-Pacific’s busiest visitor markets. Bank of Thailand tourism indicators, sourced to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, recorded 3.28 million foreign tourists in January this year, 3.26 million in February, and 2.78 million in March, with the table last updated on April 30. 

Thai PBS, citing Natreeya Taweewong, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, reported that Thailand recorded 11.36 million foreign tourist arrivals from January 1 to April 26, with China, Malaysia, Russia, India, and South Korea listed as the five largest source markets.

Visa said its network data showed nearly US$180 billion in travel spending across Asia Pacific, equal to more than 17 percent of total Visa card spending in the region. The company said the spending pattern reflects shorter-haul, intra-regional travel, with Bangkok among the regional hubs seeing travel-related card activity.

For travellers, the site adds card-linked offers after arrival. Visa said the Thailand offers include the Songwat Experience in Bangkok, plus separate offers for Visa Infinite and Visa Signature cardholders.

“Thailand reflects this shift and is a natural starting point for Visa Destinations in this region,” Ramachandran added.