BANGKOK (NNT) - Phuket province is witnessing a surge in international tourists, with Chinese travelers leading the way, followed by those from Russia and Australia.

 

Thanawat Oncharoen, Vice President of the Phuket Tourist Association (PTA), noted that most Chinese tourists are independent travelers, while the number of tour groups from the country remains relatively low. Despite international arrivals standing at 70% of pre-pandemic levels, this figure represents a significant improvement from last year.

 

Phuket authorities are actively seeking to welcome tourists from Kazakhstan and Israel this year to diversify their visitor base. Additionally, the Middle East is expected to contribute to an influx of tourists during this time of the year, as many travelers from the region look forward to enjoying Phuket’s rainy season.

 

Officials said figures for Indian and Australian visitors have already returned to pre-pandemic levels, highlighting the resilience of Phuket’s tourism sector.

 

Meanwhile, Sueksit Suwannaditsakul, President of the Southern chapter of the Thai Hotels Association, disclosed that hotel occupancy in Phuket held steady at a promising 70% between January and May. The island boasts some 3,000 hotels offering around 200,000 rooms, providing ample accommodation options for travelers.

 

Lertchai Wangtrakuldee, Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s (TAT) Phuket office, reported that Phuket has already welcomed over 6 million domestic and international tourists in the first five months of this year, resulting in a staggering 196 billion baht boost to the local economy.

 

The TAT now expects to welcome a total of 12 million tourists to Phuket this year.

 

 

by Paul Rujopakarn

 

Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230620133653348

 

-- © Copyright NNT 2023-06-21

 

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3 hours ago, webfact said:

Phuket province is witnessing a surge in international tourists, with Chinese travelers leading the way, followed by those from Russia and Australia

I guess when a country relies substantially on tourism to make ends meet it becomes daily news.

12 minutes ago, hotchilli said:

I guess when a country relies substantially on tourism to make ends meet it becomes daily news.

Perhaps daily news worthy within this type of platform - to be expected.

But in real everyday news, doesn't even warrant a trickle - cause it ain't real.

Just now, webfact said:

as many travelers from the region look forward to enjoying Phuket’s rainy season.

Who in the hell enjoys rain?  They would love the UK if they enjoy rain.

3 hours ago, webfact said:

The TAT now expects to welcome a total of 12 million tourists to Phuket this year.

???? F$&@ that!

 

Feel sorry for those on here who live in Patong. 

5 minutes ago, paulikens said:

Who in the hell enjoys rain.  Go to the UK if you enjoy rain

Not been much rain 

I dont know where they are staying, Kata and Karon was quiet, Rawai is ok as lots of expats live in the area but I dont see many tourist, 

Really busy with tours and trips at the moment. Expected since it is a Chinese vacation ATM.

1 hour ago, paulikens said:

Who in the hell enjoys rain?  They would love the UK if they enjoy rain.

I would imagine some people living in a desert climate all their lives might since rain would be a novelty for them.

23 minutes ago, newnative said:

I would imagine some people living in a desert climate all their lives might since rain would be a novelty for them.

According to booking.com the Saudi Arabians are No1 in this area, We have had guest in the past book for the rainy season, 

Everybody they asked for came. Now they say they want diversity.

 

Nah,

They just want money.

Interesting to know what the figures are like excluding the black swan event of the Russians dodging conscription 

3 hours ago, ignore it said:

Everybody they asked for came. Now they say they want diversity.

 

Nah,

They just want money.

yeah the more cash the better....  wouldnt care less if blue martians...as long as they had cash

4 hours ago, ChipButty said:

According to booking.com the Saudi Arabians are No1 in this area, We have had guest in the past book for the rainy season, 

In response, the Saudi Tourist Association announced an increase in the number of Thai tourists wandering aimlessly in the Empty Quarter searching for a noodle shop.

7 hours ago, paulikens said:

Who in the hell enjoys rain?  They would love the UK if they enjoy rain.

Really? The uk has just had and is continuing to have beautiful weather.

On the one hand we have this story, yet just below we have this one

 

Which is correct?

Great!

 

So you have Chinese and Russian, let's hope India tourists soon arrive, great for business!

 

A pity though for the Aussies!

7 hours ago, ignore it said:

Everybody they asked for came. Now they say they want diversity.

 

Nah,

They just want money.

, OMG dude it's tourism! What did you expect 

Not what hear from friends who live in Pooket. Plenty of Russian draught dodgers and that's about it

3 hours ago, madmitch said:

On the one hand we have this story, yet just below we have this one

 

Which is correct?

pffft 

 

that was yesterday. :)

55 minutes ago, lavender19 said:

Not what hear from friends who live in Pooket. Plenty of Russian draught dodgers and that's about it

Windy in Russia is it?

I live in Patong, all the Russians who were living near me (and they were all pleasant nice people BTW) have all just disappeared about six or seven weeks ago. There was about five couples and two single lads all in the 21-35 age group over a fortnight they all slipped away...? I know a couple of the lads not long before this had done a border bounce down to Satun so they must have had valid stay?? 

 

IMO there is no way it is as busy as it was two months ago - Bangla etc/ West Coast beaches are deffo not as busy so dont know where all this influx are going Tat? 555

47 minutes ago, BritScot said:

Really? The uk has just had and is continuing to have beautiful weather.

@BritScot  Yep. We won't have rain for the rest of the year now, cuz we've had sun for a couple of weeks????

6 hours ago, newnative said:

I would imagine some people living in a desert climate all their lives might since rain would be a novelty for them.

@newnative That would soon wear off

10 hours ago, paulikens said:

@newnative That would soon wear off

Yes, it certainly would for me.  But, maybe not for a desert person who rarely sees rain on a short visit to Thailand.