BLACKPINK Kicks Up a “Pink Whirlwind” in Bangkok, Boosting the Hotel Industry and Tourism Economy

Thai media predict that the renowned Korean girl group BLACKPINK will soon perform in Bangkok, expected to stir up a 'pink whirlwind' and drive an unprecedented boom in the local hotel industry and tourism economy.

In particular, the area centered around Rajamangala National Stadium in Bangkok has seen a surge in hotel reservations, with many hotels expected to reach full occupancy status from October 24th to 26th.

As early as February this year, BLACKPINK already hinted at this world tour. On February 5, 2025, BLACKPINK teased the upcoming tour through their official social media, posting a short video showing fans cheering in a large venue, the four members performing on stage, and ending with a black background and pink text revealing '2025 World Tour'.

Two weeks later on February 19, YG Entertainment officially announced tour details, revealing that they would hold 31 shows in 10 cities across East Asia, Southeast Asia, North America and Europe, igniting worldwide fan anticipation.

According to the itinerary, BLACKPINK will hold multiple tour stops in Southeast Asia, including major cities like Singapore, Jakarta, Manila, and Bangkok.

As one of the key stops on the tour, Thailand saw tickets sell out rapidly upon release, with the fan frenzy making Bangkok the top pilgrimage destination for Southeast Asian fans.

Fans from China, Japan, and Korea “Pilgrimage” to Thailand; Bangkok Hotel Industry Heats Up

As the concert date approaches, Bangkok's hotel industry is heating up rapidly. According to Piti, General Manager of the Alexander Hotel Bangkok, the hotel's 300 rooms are almost fully booked during the concert period, with an occupancy rate reaching 90%.

Benefiting from the robust demand brought by the event, hotels are not only maintaining high room rates but are also setting aside some rooms for last-minute travelers.

“The majority of bookings come from international travelers, especially fans from China, Japan, and Korea.”

he said. The hotel has also launched a free shuttle service to help fans get to and from the stadium.

Additionally, the Mangkabi commercial district and surrounding accommodations are also seeing a peak in reservations, forming a regional economic chain driven by concert-related stays.

Piti pointed out that while hotels in Bangkok city center still rely on discounts to attract guests, demand around the stadium is so strong that it forms a sharp contrast.

“Chinese tourists have not fully returned yet, but the influx of international fans for major concerts has filled the gap, allowing hotels to maintain ideal prices.”

“Concert Tourism” Becomes a New Trend in Thailand

Patthanapong, a Thai Tourism Authority (TAT) official, said the tourism board is actively supporting events of all kinds to stimulate tourism recovery, and that “concert tourism” has become one of Thailand’s emerging trends.

Statistics show that foreign tourists attending concerts make up about 30% to 40% of total audiences, significantly boosting spending on accommodation, transportation, food, and related purchases. As an example, she cited last month’s “Autumn Yingyu Asia Fan Meeting Bangkok Stop,” which attracted a large number of international fans who made up about 15% of the total audience, effectively increasing hotel and transport consumption during the event period.

“Artist fan meetings and concerts have made Thailand one of the top destinations for high-end event tourism.”

Adi, Secretary-General of the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA), pointed out that “concert tourism” has become a global trend, especially favored by young groups and niche markets.

Most tourists prefer independent travel and book bundled packages for transportation and accommodation through online platforms, creating a stable consumption chain. Industry insiders believe that the BLACKPINK concert is not only an entertainment feast, but also highlights the strong momentum of Thailand's tourism industry under the dual drive of 'culture + economy'.