BLACKPINK Lisa's 'The White Lotus' Appearance and the Revival of Thailand's Tourism Industry

 

1. BLACKPINK Lisa's 'The White Lotus' Appearance and the Revival of Thailand's Tourism Industry

 

BLACKPINK’s Lisa has breathed new life into Thailand’s tourism industry with her appearance in Season 3 of the American drama The White Lotus. Her participation has drawn worldwide attention to the show's filming locations, including Koh Samui, Phuket, and Bangkok.

 

2. Lisa’s Role in The White Lotus Season 3

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Lisa made her acting debut in The White Lotus Season 3, a mystery black comedy series set in a fictional luxury resort chain. The previous seasons, filmed in Hawaii and Sicily, were met with massive success. This season was filmed in various locations across Thailand, including Koh Samui, Phuket, and Bangkok. Lisa plays a resort staff member, showcasing a new side of her talent.  

 

3. Thailand as a Filming Destination: Surge in Tourist Interest

With Thailand chosen as the filming location for The White Lotus Season 3, interest in these areas has skyrocketed among tourists. Hotel reservations and searches for Koh Samui have surged significantly. According to the travel platform Agoda, searches for Koh Samui hotels increased by 12%, while luxury hotel bookings rose by 40%. Notably, searches from American tourists spiked by 65% compared to the previous month, placing Thailand among the top five most-searched destinations on Agoda.

 

4. Positive Reactions from the Thai Government and Tourism Industry

The Thai government and tourism industry have welcomed this phenomenon. Deputy government spokeswoman Sassikan Wattanachan acknowledged that Lisa's involvement in the drama has significantly boosted international interest in Thailand’s tourist destinations. Additionally, Chaiyapat Paitoon, CFO of the major Thai hotel conglomerate Minor International, stated that promotional activities alone had increased attention on the filming locations even before the show aired. He reported that the average daily room rate (ADR) had risen sharply from late last year to January this year, with Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui seeing a price surge of over 40%.

Lisa’s participation in The White Lotus Season 3 has not only reinvigorated Thailand’s tourism sector but has also contributed to the local economy. This positive impact is expected to continue in the coming months.