This month, the Tourism Authority of Thailand – Los Angeles office (TAT-LA) launched the Buy Now, Stay Later program. The goal of the plan is to incentivize tourists to book a stay at a Thailand hotel for a later date as a way to support the country’s hospitality industry following the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Through the program, travelers can purchase hotel bonds that increase in value over time to use at a list of partner properties. For example, hotel bonds purchased for $100 today can be redeemed for a value of $150 when booking, following a 60-day or more maturation period.
“Buy Now, Stay Later not only aids the tourism industry, but U.S. travelers have the opportunity to enjoy Thailand with incentives,” said Kittipong Prapattong, director of TAT-LA. “By offering travelers a way to purchase bonds now for future trips, we hope to help the country’s travel industry when they need it most. Travelers will be directly supporting Thailand and helping to support everyone working in the country’s tourism sector.”
Prapattong points out that Thailand’s tourism industry is a driving force for its economy, and the program offers a layer of support for the country’s hotels by providing travelers with a one-stop-shop for hotel and travel experiences. TAT-LA also hopes to generate more awareness and excitement for the hotels and travel activities that are a part of the program.
“We want travelers to know that the program offers them a way to plan ahead and save money on future travels to Thailand,” Prapattong said. “They will not only enjoy the benefits of the program through hotels, but also activities such as walking tours, cooking classes, spa experiences and more.”
The program coincides with Thailand’s multiphase reopening, tentatively scheduled to begin on Aug. 1. The country’s plan starts with the provinces of Phuket, Krabi and Surat Thani, where many of the program’s member hotels are also located.
TAT-LA has invited properties throughout Thailand to join the program. While Thailand’s naturally secluded provinces are likely to open first, the program is open to all properties throughout the country.
“More properties are joining every day,” Prapattong said. “We are excited to see the program expand.”
On the program’s website, clients can find the entire list of partner properties as well as purchase the bonds in $100 increments.
The Details
Buy Now, Stay Later Program
thailand.buynowstaylater.com
