Tourism Middle Eastern Tourists Bolster Phuket as Chinese Arrivals Dip, Say Industry Leaders

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File photo for reference only

 

In light of a dip in Chinese tourists, Middle Eastern visitors are flocking to Phuket, ensuring the island remains a key tourist hotspot. The Phuket Tourism Industry Council is calling upon the government to tackle pressing traffic and environmental issues to sustain its appeal.

 

Thanet Tantipiriyakit, chair of the council, highlighted the island's capacity to host tourists despite the decline from China, with tourism from the Middle East proving vital as the rain-heavy green season looms.

 

Addressing tourism concerns, Thanet pointed out alternative markets such as India, Russia, Australia, and Europe which can offset the dip in Chinese visitors.

 

The appeal of Phuket's green season, with visitors fleeing scorching 50°C temperatures elsewhere, remains strong, as these tourists are known to stay longer and invest more during their visits.

 

However, Thanet voiced apprehensions over persistent traffic issues that impact tourists' experiences, asserting the urgent need for governmental intervention.

 

Phuket's reputation as a "bright spot" for tourism is at risk due to inadequate infrastructure development and rising environmental issues. Thanet stated, “The island's natural beauty has suffered,” emphasising the need for timely infrastructure improvements to address traffic problems.

 

He is urging the government to utilise the quieter green season to implement necessary changes that could enhance visitor experiences.

 

Additionally, the private sector is pressing for initiatives to boost domestic tourism, which is crucial for the nation's economy. With the approaching low season, there is worry over a decline in local travel.

 

Industry players support the swift execution of the "Travel Together" subsidy program, where the government would shoulder half of accommodation costs, contending it could stimulate domestic tourism significantly.

 

Acknowledging the program's delay, tourism operators propose varying subsidy rates to promote exploration of less prominent but intriguing destinations.

 

These recommendations include 50% subsidies for secondary cities and 40% for major locations, encouraging tourists to venture beyond the typical tourist trails.

 

As Phuket looks to maintain its vibrant tourism image despite challenges, stakeholders are closely monitoring government responses that could shape the island's future prosperity and allure to both international and domestic tourists.

 

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Khaosod 2025-05-08

 

 

[Gottfrid]

Yep! Bringing the characteristic smell of garlic and more male testosterone on the streets

[sikishrory]

I think Phuket has had enough bolstering.

[black tabby12345]

3 hours ago, Gottfrid said:

Yep! Bringing the characteristic smell of garlic and more male testosterone on the streets

 

As well as more alcohol-fueled brawls/altercations to the regions.

They are meant to be here for committing their religious taboo(booze).

[Woody1968]

Out of the frying pan into the fire 😂

[steven100]

more bars,   more fights,   more booze  .........  that's what's needed to bolster the action and get the drunk tourists coming.    

[factual monk]

Habibi... welcome to Phuket... 😆 🤣 😂 

[still kicking]

7 hours ago, Gottfrid said:

Yep! Bringing the characteristic smell of garlic and more male testosterone on the streets

What's wrong with garlic? Ban all Greeks and Italians as well? 

[Gottfrid]

2 hours ago, still kicking said:

What's wrong with garlic? Ban all Greeks and Italians as well? 

Why? They now how to use it in moderation

[still kicking]

4 minutes ago, Gottfrid said:

Why? They now how to use it in moderation

Watch Masterchef 

[Magictoad]

The change in demographics has been noticeable 

[Cameroni]

Bring back the Chinese!

[Patong2021]

Lovely. This should make some of AN's resident bigots swoon. 😁

 

[geisha]

The newbies to Phuket seem to like living there. The oldies are horrified.

Once you’ve experienced a few months of jam packed traffic, swarms of tourists on the beach, waits of an hour and up to get served in a restaurant because they are understaffed , and being pushed out the way by surly Russians, you begin to change your mind . 
Add to that the often extreme humidity and the rain storms even in the “dry” season, and you’re ready to move elsewhere.