Ever since HBO announced that their hit anthology series The White Lotus was shooting its third season in Thailand, fans have been eager to check out which glamorous locations in the country have “joined” the show’s fictional White Lotus resort chain. While The White Lotus takes on a satirical view of luxury tourism, it is also beloved by fans who enjoy the show’s mix of drama, comedy, and lush scenery.
The first two seasons of The White Lotus have been credited for reviving tourism in Maui and Sicily, respectively, with the featured hotels and resorts seeing huge increases in bookings. While the third season is not yet scheduled to air until 2025, the press in Thailand has mentioned “The White Lotus Effect” and the rise in tourist arrivals that will ensue because of the show’s popularity.
We will look at the effect of The White Lotus on tourism in Thailand, and how the show’s popularity could take Thailand’s resort locations to the next level.
Related article: Top 4 Luxury Destinations in Thailand
The Immediate Impact
Photo: Fourseasons.com
The timing of the news could not be more ideal. The Tourism Authority of Thailand has already started to put a greater emphasis on luxury tourism in their ongoing campaigns. The government has also started offering massive cash rebates to attract more foreign film and television productions such as The White Lotus to shoot scenes in the country.
According to various reports, Season 3 of The White Lotus was shot in two separate beach resorts in Thailand: The Four Seasons in Koh Samui, and Anantara Mai Khao Villas (one of the 12 best hotels and resorts for a sleep retreat) in Phuket. Both resorts were fully booked when filming began in March 2024 and ended in June of the same year; they are also expected to remain hot properties all the way to 2025.
Meetings between the show’s executives and the Thai government suggest that the cast and the crew of the show have nothing but praise for Thailand, especially Koh Samui and Phuket. Social media posts from cast members also show other resort locations in the country, which further enhance the positive view of Thailand from the visiting production.
Related article: 12 Best Luxury Hotels and Resorts in Koh Samui
The Incoming Effects
Photo: Mental Floss
The significant rise of advanced bookings in Thailand due to The White Lotus suggests that many of the show’s fans are interested in visiting and experiencing the same locales that their favorite (or not-so-favorite) characters have frequented. But the “White Lotus Effect” goes beyond glamorous fantasies of luxury travel and exotic destinations.
One possible effect that has arisen as part of the interactions between the filmmakers and the local government is the fact that The White Lotus could pave the way for equally prestigious TV and film projects to promote the country. The pleasant experiences that the show’s cast and crew have had with the local Thais could go a long way toward showing Thailand in a positive and even glamorous light.
The growing demand for accommodations on Koh Samui and Phuket may also be a bonus for owners and operators of resorts and luxury private villas, who may find themselves working with tourists who were not able to book a room or villa at the show’s shooting locations. Guests may even find that booking a much-needed private villa holiday will lead to a more satisfying experience.
Tourists who visit Thailand may also be pleasantly surprised to see what local businesses in Koh Samui and Phuket has to offer in terms of upscale experiences. For example, they may choose to indulge in treatments from Koh Samui’s luxury spas, or enjoy a drink at one of Phuket’s top 6 elite rooftop bars for a pleasant change of pace.
Related article: Discover Phuket’s First and Only Michelin-Starred-Restaurant—PRU
Final Thoughts
Photo: Klook.com
Fans of The White Lotus cannot get enough of the show’s exotic locales, and Thailand is a welcome addition to the glamorous roster of previous seasons. As fans start the agonizing wait for the third season, they will also have Thailand at the top of their minds as a luxury travel destination, and are anticipating the days when they can live out their dreams of being a part of their favorite show.
Meanwhile, the effect that this season has on Thailand cannot be underestimated. Locals in Phuket and Koh Samui are preparing for the incoming “tourist tsunami” that will come as a result of the show, and hopes are high that the “White Lotus Effect” will continue to be positive for both Thailand locations.
Ultimately, the hype surrounding The White Lotus may be good for tourism in Thailand, especially when it comes to tourists looking for high-end luxury travel experiences. As the countdown to the show’s third season continues, there is hope that Thailand’s luxury tourism industry will get a much-needed boost, and tourists will view the country in a more sophisticated light.
Related article: Luxury High Tea: Koh Samui’s Best Afternoon Tea Spots
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Featured image: TechCrunch
