Tourism Phuket Resilient Amid Sluggish Chinese Market, Says Lan Kwai Fong Group

[snoop1130]

File photo for reference only

 

Phuket is expected to weather the short-term dip in Chinese tourism, thanks in part to its growing appeal to other international visitors and long-stay markets, according to Lan Kwai Fong Group. Allan Zeman, chairman of the group, attributes the current sluggishness in the Chinese market to concerns over regional scams and recent seismic activity in Thailand. However, he remains optimistic about recovery due to China's vast population.

 

Zeman highlights that confidence is already being restored as China works with Myanmar to address scams. This effort, alongside the sizeable Chinese population, suggests a resilient return of Chinese tourists. Recent events, such as a notable influx of Chinese visitors to Andara Resorts and Villas during the Labour Day Golden Week, support this optimism.

 

Phuket's robust tourism sector, complemented by its appeal as a residential destination, continues to thrive. The island's international connectivity and multicultural community, including a significant Russian presence due to the Ukraine conflict, fuel its year-round attraction. The Middle Eastern tourist influx during summer further bolsters the rental market.

 

The government is urged to maintain pace with Phuket's infrastructure development to match its growth trajectory. In line with this, Lan Kwai Fong Group has launched Sudara, a high-end residential project in Phuket, with its first phase offering 220 units. Notably, 50 units have been sold primarily to expatriates from Hong Kong and Singapore. The project features larger-than-average spaces, appealing to premium buyers.

 

While Sudara's target isn't primarily Chinese investors, due to different preferences in unit size and budget, the next phase promises further growth, possibly including a hotel. Zeman also envisions expanding the Andara and Sudara brands into management contracts in destinations like Bangkok.

 

Lan Kwai Fong is also vested in China, with ongoing real estate developments in cities such as Chengdu, Xi'an, and Hainan.

 

In a broader context, Zeman references Macau's transformation through legalized casino resorts. He suggests that as Thailand considers legalising casino gambling, it could learn from Macau's success in diversifying revenue streams. Macau, originally not a sought-after living destination, saw a turnaround with integrated casino resorts, shifting its economic dependency over time.

 

Wynn Resorts, where Zeman holds a key position, mirrors this philosophy with plans for a new casino resort in Dubai by 2027, reflecting a strategic shift towards holistic entertainment complexes.

 

Through diversified developments in both Thailand and beyond, Lan Kwai Fong Group reflects a strong commitment to capitalising on resilient market opportunities, tapping into tourism, and expanding its luxury real estate and hospitality footprints globally.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-05-13

 

 

[wensiensheng]

Blah, blah, blah. I see no evidence of any Chinese tourists here. I see a ton of Russians establishing Phuket as a permanent base of residency ( not sure what that has to do with tourism), other tourists are low enough numbers to be meaningless.

 

All in all a normal low season including rain each day, with an added topping of plenty of Russian residents.

[Hakuna Matata]

17 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

The island's international connectivity and multicultural community, including a significant Russian presence due to the Ukraine conflict, fuel its year-round attraction.

 

27 minutes ago, wensiensheng said:

Blah, blah, blah. I see no evidence of any Chinese tourists here. I see a ton of Russians establishing Phuket as a permanent base of residency ( not sure what that has to do with tourism), other tourists are low enough numbers to be meaningless.

 

All in all a normal low season including rain each day, with an added topping of plenty of Russian residents.

 

 

[newbee2022]

17 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

thanks in part to its growing appeal to other international visitors

Yeah, all riffraff from Russia, Israel. 😕

[norsurin]

Short -time dip?Wait and see.Im sure its a forever dip.Thailand have priced themselves out of marked and with lack of safety will hit them hard.But they try to lure the world to say this and that.People can read what's going on in little Russia.Alot of arabs and russians making problems there.Its like mafia heaven 

[watchcat]

48 minutes ago, newbee2022 said:

Yeah, all riffraff from Russia, Israel. 😕

 

You could add Chinese and Arabs to your list.

[newbee2022]

44 minutes ago, watchcat said:

 

You could add Chinese and Arabs to your list.

Thanks, yes 

[Gknrd]

I will admit if you want to spend your vaccination in a polluted overcrowded mafia run SH. Phuket should be on the top of your list.

[Pompeygeezer]

Long stay russians... well they won't be long stay for much longer if they scrap the 60 days waiver