Fighting is packing a punch for Thailand’s economy. ONE Championship, a promoter of Muay Thai, Mixed Martial Arts, and Combat Sports, contributed roughly $470 million to Thailand’s economy through its fighting events last year, according to Nielsen, the United States-based media analytics firm.

Chatri Sityodtong, a former Muay Thai fighter and Founder and Chief Executive of ONE Championship, said martial arts promotion is now a key engine for Thailand's tourism economy. The firm’s fan base of 500 million people worldwide, who watch its bouts through its streaming platform, are all potential visitors to the Kingdom.

“Our live events, coupled with our superstar heroes and global content engine, continue to drive Thailand's economy forward and bring prestige, honor, and glory to Thailand,” Chatri said.

Nielsen’s report on ONE Championship’s economic impact found that 82 percent of international attendees at its fighting cards traveled to Thailand specifically to attend a ONE event, underscoring the promotion’s pull in tourism.

“From packed stadiums in Bangkok to international broadcast deals spanning 190 countries, ONE’s live shows have become a major engine driving visitor arrivals, local spending, and global awareness of Thai culture,” wrote Serrari, a fintech news platform.

ONE’s promotions draw tourists primarily from Australia, the United States, France, the United Kingdom, and Canada, building Thailand's position as a premier destination for Combat Sports Tourism, according to Nielsen’s report.

Nielsen also estimates that ONE’s monthly U.S. primetime event series, ONE Fight Night, which is hosted at Bangkok’s Lumpini Stadium, generates nearly US$7 million per show in economic impact to the country.

“As Thailand continues to diversify its tourism offerings beyond traditional attractions, ONE Championship’s growing presence demonstrates how strategic sports entertainment investments can yield substantial economic dividends for Thailand while showcasing the nation’s cultural martial arts heritage on a global stage,” wrote The Nation newspaper.

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source: https://thailand.go.th/useful-information-detail/-----amazing-muay-thai-experience---