The legalization of same-sex marriage in Thailand may attract a surge of tourists.

The report by Agoda predicts that Thailand's same-sex marriage legislation, set to take effect in January 2025, could bring in an additional 4 million tourists annually.

The report published on Thursday predicts that the country's marriage equality law could boost tourism arrivals by 10%, resulting in an additional $2 billion in annual tourism revenue within two years.

The LGBTQ community and beyond are also expected to arrive for the wedding.

"According to a report titled "The Economic Impact of Marriage Equality on Thailand's Tourism Industry," Thailand is expected to attract more travelers and expatriate workers who seek not just a vacation spot but a place where they can feel truly accepted."

The new legislation in Thailand, set to take effect on January 22, 2025, is expected to create 76,000 full-time jobs in the tourism industry and increase the country's GDP by 0.3%, according to a report from Access Partnership.

Thailand will become the third country in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage, after Taiwan in 2019 and Nepal in 2023. The new law will also provide same-sex couples with rights related to child adoption, health care, and inheritance.

Calculating the impact

The report analyzed the economic impact of same-sex marriage laws in other countries to determine the potential effects of Thailand's new legislation.

Following the introduction of marriage equality legislation, there were significant increases in same-sex weddings in markets such as New Zealand and the United States, according to Timothy Hughes, Agoda's vice president of corporate development, as reported by CNBC Travel.

In 2013, New Zealand legalized same-sex marriage. By 2016, most same-sex marriages in the country were for visitors, according to a report.

From 2013 to 2017, more than half (58%) of same-sex weddings in New Zealand were performed by Australians. However, this percentage decreased to 26% in 2017 following the passing of Australia's same-sex marriage law.

The report by Agoda examined other elements that affect international tourists, such as the appeal of a destination, the affordability of travel, the simplicity of entry, and the perceived level of acceptance of LGBTQIA+ concerns.

The report also examined the availability of viable alternative destinations for LGBTQIA+ or travelers in the region.

More than 3.6 billion people in markets that do not have marriage equality are within 5 hours flying of Thailand, according to Hughes.

He predicted that Thailand will become a top destination for Indian LGBTQIA+ couples and those ready to celebrate with them, emphasizing the economic opportunity from Indian travelers.

A 'unique strategic opportunity'

The planning, for some, has already begun.

On January 23, 2025, Bangkok Pride, founded by Thai rights activist Ann Chumaporn, will host a mass wedding event for same-sex couples, marking the first day that marriage registrations can be filed.

"She informed CNBC Travel that they have over 300 couples registered and aim to reach 1,000 nationwide, with international couples already registered."

The Thai government aims to host WorldPride, a global pride event that generated $120 million Australian dollars ($185.6 million) for New South Wales when Sydney hosted in 2023, as reported by Agoda.

The global value of rainbow tourism, also known as LGBTQ+ travel, is estimated to be $200 billion, according to a report.

Marcus Ng, director of Access Partnership, stated that Thailand has a "unique strategic opportunity" in the current competitive market for tourists, particularly those who spend on weddings and related celebrations.

"This report shows that inclusivity benefits both the tourism industry and the overall economy, although we cannot predict the actions of other markets."