Phuket Tourism to Surpass Pre-Pandemic Revenue in 2024
Tourism boom predicted with increased visitor spending and direct flights
Tourism revenue in Phuket is projected to exceed 2019 levels in 2024, with nearly as many visitors as the pre-pandemic year.
Thanet Tantipiriyakit, president of the Phuket Tourist Association, stated that despite a slight decrease in visitor numbers, tourist spending has increased, positioning Phuket as a destination for quality tourism.
In the first half of this year, Phuket generated 246 billion baht from tourism.
Expectations are high for a monthly spend of 50 billion baht during peak months, with a full-year target of 500 billion baht being plausible.
The island is set to welcome new direct flights from Astana, Kazakhstan; Kolkata and Chennai, India; and Siem Reap, Cambodia.
Direct flights from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, will also commence on December 2.
The tourist count for 2024 is anticipated to reach 13 to 14 million, compared to 11 million in 2023.
Chinese tourists remain the largest group, followed by Russians and Indians, with growth in European and Australian markets.
Looking ahead, Phuket aims to host international events such as the Thailand Biennale Phuket 2025.
Concurrently, Phuket governor Sopon Suwannarat met with Masazumi Gotoda of Tokushima prefecture, Japan, discussing a memorandum of understanding to boost trade and tourism between the regions.
Tokushima boasts unique cultural and natural attractions, such as the Iya Valley and the Awa Odori Dance Festival, marking a step towards fostering cultural and tourism relations.
Thanet Tantipiriyakit, president of the Phuket Tourist Association, stated that despite a slight decrease in visitor numbers, tourist spending has increased, positioning Phuket as a destination for quality tourism.
In the first half of this year, Phuket generated 246 billion baht from tourism.
Expectations are high for a monthly spend of 50 billion baht during peak months, with a full-year target of 500 billion baht being plausible.
The island is set to welcome new direct flights from Astana, Kazakhstan; Kolkata and Chennai, India; and Siem Reap, Cambodia.
Direct flights from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, will also commence on December 2.
The tourist count for 2024 is anticipated to reach 13 to 14 million, compared to 11 million in 2023.
Chinese tourists remain the largest group, followed by Russians and Indians, with growth in European and Australian markets.
Looking ahead, Phuket aims to host international events such as the Thailand Biennale Phuket 2025.
Concurrently, Phuket governor Sopon Suwannarat met with Masazumi Gotoda of Tokushima prefecture, Japan, discussing a memorandum of understanding to boost trade and tourism between the regions.
Tokushima boasts unique cultural and natural attractions, such as the Iya Valley and the Awa Odori Dance Festival, marking a step towards fostering cultural and tourism relations.
