Bangkok Listed among Top Global Cities for Dining and Shopping

In 2018, the survey indicated that Bangkok was the No. 1 global destination for the third consecutive year, with Phuket and Pattaya ranked 12^th and 18^th, respectively. This has resulted in Thailand being the only country with three cities in the top 20 global destinations.

Bangkok was ranked third of the Top Cities for Dining. Visitors spending was 108 billion baht (USD 3.38 billion), or 20.6 percent of the total expenditure. Palma de Mallorca in Spain ranked second (with visitors spending of USD 3.78 billion), and Dubai ranked first (with visitors spending of USD 5.94 billion).

The survey also stated that Bangkok is also a popular city for shopping, ranked 6^th worldwide, with tourists spending of 120 billion baht (USD 3.75 billion), representing 23 percent of the overall expenditure.

There are eight cities on the top list for dining and seven cities on the top list for shopping that are also a part of the Mastercard Priceless Cities experiential travel platform where travelers from over 90 countries can access unique and unforgettable experiences in over 40 cities around the world.

"Dining and Shopping are the key expenditure items that connect visitors to local culture, traditions and history. MasterCard has created an amazing city experience for tourists through the Priceless Cities program, including Bangkok. Whether it is a vacation in a boutique hotel or tasting famous food in Thailand, MasterCard believes that opening up new experiences will create impressive memories for tourists from all over the world,” said Mr. Donald Ong, Director of MasterCard Thailand and Myanmar.