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Phuket tourism operators are increasingly anxious about climate change's tangible consequences, affecting both Thailand and key tourist source markets through severe weather and flooding.

 

Thaneth Tantipiriyakij, president of the Phuket Tourist Association, highlights that flooding has become an annual occurrence in several areas, including Kata, Karon, and Kamala.

 

This year, landslides in Kata and Karon tragically resulted in foreign fatalities, while recent floods submerged roads in Kamala, causing inconvenience and traffic disruptions.

 

Thaneth notes that despite anticipating 500 billion baht in tourism revenue, surpassing pre-pandemic levels, Phuket's infrastructure struggles to cope with increasing tourist numbers. He expresses disappointment over the central government’s lack of action on improving water management and urban infrastructure.

 

Virintra Papakityotsaphat, president of the Tourism Council of Phuket, underscores the critical risk posed by climate-induced natural disasters. She advocates for enhanced governmental regulations, particularly against illegal constructions obstructing floodways. This would help prepare infrastructure to better withstand such events.

On a broader scale, recent global weather incidents, such as Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton, which recently hit Florida, illustrate the wider climate impact.

 

These events disrupt travel plans, with airlines cancelling numerous flights, potentially deterring tourists from travelling to Thailand during peak seasons. However, Virintra remains optimistic about Phuket’s diverse tourist base, attracting visitors from Russia, Europe, India, and China.

 

Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, deputy governor for marketing in Europe, the Americas, the Middle East, and Africa at the Tourism Authority of Thailand, adds that while the US travel market might experience short-term effects, Thailand aims to welcome at least 1 million US visitors this year. Furthermore, the Tourism Authority is focusing on promoting Thailand as a sustainable, eco-friendly travel destination, reported Bangkok Post.

 

Picture courtesy: MGR online

 

-- 2024-10-12