White Lotus Season 3 Set to Boost Thai Tourism
The Emmy-winning anthology series, The White Lotus, is set to shoot its third season in the picturesque locales of Thailand, as announced by the Tourism Authority of Thailand. The production, starting in February, will unfold across Bangkok, Phuket, and Ko Samui, in a strategic collaboration with HBO. This move is anticipated to significantly enhance Thailand's visibility on the global stage and boost its tourism sector.
Janet Graham Borba, HBO & Max's executive vice president of production, expressed enthusiasm about bringing the show's narrative to life in Thailand's stunning settings. The exact hotel to feature in the series remains undisclosed, but speculation is rife, considering the series' history of choosing exquisite Four Seasons properties for its backdrop.
The impact of The White Lotus on tourism is not to be underestimated. The show's previous season, filmed at the Four Seasons’ San Domenico Palace in Taormina, Sicily, led to a remarkable surge in bookings. According to Kelly Torrens, vice president of product for Kensington Tours, the hotel saw an unprecedented sales spike post-its feature in the series.
This phenomenon extends beyond hotel bookings. Alessio Virgili, co-founder and CEO of Sonders & Beach, noted a more than 50% increase in web searches for Italian towns following the series' second season. James Thornton, CEO of Intrepid Travel, at the Skift Global Forum, further corroborated the influential power of the series on tourism trends.
The upcoming season of The White Lotus in Thailand is not just a win for fans of the series but also a promising development for Thailand's tourism industry. The country, known for its rich culture and breathtaking landscapes, is poised to witness a new wave of global interest and visitor influx, catalyzed by the show's immense popularity and reach.