Phuket's Tourism Concerns Amidst Climate Change
Phuket tourism operators are concerned about the increasing impact of climate change, with regular flooding in areas like Kata, Karon, and Kamala. Despite generating an estimated 500 billion baht this year, infrastructure can't keep up. Authorities are urged to improve flood management and regulate illegal construction while promoting eco-friendly tourism.
Phuket tourism operators are increasingly concerned about climate change, as severe weather and flooding become common occurrences in Thailand.
Thaneth Tantipiriyakij, president of the Phuket Tourist Association, highlighted that regular flooding affects key areas like Kata, Karon, and Kamala.
Recent landslides in Kata and Karon resulted in the tragic deaths of several foreigners, and the Kamala area faced road submergence.
Despite such events, tourist arrivals in Phuket are projected to generate 500 billion baht this year, surpassing pre-pandemic figures.
However, infrastructure development lags behind rising tourist numbers.
Virintra Papakityotsaphat, president of the Tourism Council of Phuket, emphasized the need for government intervention to improve infrastructure and regulate illegal constructions that exacerbate flooding.
Similarly, climatic events abroad, like Hurricane Milton impacting Florida, could influence global travel trends, though Phuket might remain unaffected due to its diverse tourist base.
Siripakorn Cheawsamoot from the Tourism Authority of Thailand assured that American tourism might only see short-term effects and maintained confidence in attracting 1 million US visitors this year.
The agency aims to promote eco-friendly tourism amidst these challenges.
Thaneth Tantipiriyakij, president of the Phuket Tourist Association, highlighted that regular flooding affects key areas like Kata, Karon, and Kamala.
Recent landslides in Kata and Karon resulted in the tragic deaths of several foreigners, and the Kamala area faced road submergence.
Despite such events, tourist arrivals in Phuket are projected to generate 500 billion baht this year, surpassing pre-pandemic figures.
However, infrastructure development lags behind rising tourist numbers.
Virintra Papakityotsaphat, president of the Tourism Council of Phuket, emphasized the need for government intervention to improve infrastructure and regulate illegal constructions that exacerbate flooding.
Similarly, climatic events abroad, like Hurricane Milton impacting Florida, could influence global travel trends, though Phuket might remain unaffected due to its diverse tourist base.
Siripakorn Cheawsamoot from the Tourism Authority of Thailand assured that American tourism might only see short-term effects and maintained confidence in attracting 1 million US visitors this year.
The agency aims to promote eco-friendly tourism amidst these challenges.
