Picture via Wikipedia

 

Phuket's tourism industry is celebrating its strongest high season in five years, surpassing pre-Covid figures. Thanet Tantipiriyakit, President of the Phuket Tourist Association, highlights a substantial increase in visitor numbers and spending. With six major global events planned for 2026, tourism revenue is expected to rise by 10%, reaching 605 billion Thai baht.

 

The resurgence follows earlier challenges in 2025 due to international conflicts. Despite these setbacks, Thanet estimates daily visitors at 60,000 to 80,000, with a projected total revenue of 550 billion Thai baht for 2025. The focus remains on international visitors, with a significant portion expected from Russia, India, and China.

 

Experts anticipate positive growth due to increased interest from European and long-haul markets. The Middle East and CIS regions are demonstrating significant potential, as markets such as Saudi Arabia and Kazakhstan continue to expand. However, Chinese tourism is recovering slowly, with limited direct flights affecting numbers, though spending per trip has significantly increased.

 

Relief for airlines and tourism operators is expected with new direct flights, such as those from Air France and Virgin Atlantic. Although concerns about Phuket Airport's capacity persist, these services could potentially boost tourist arrivals. The call for Thai Airways to resume direct flights to Phuket underscores the industry's desire to boost connectivity and reduce travel costs.

 

Looking forward, the Phuket Tourist Association plans roadshows in emerging markets like the Middle East, India, and the US. These efforts aim to capitalise on rising trends and the anticipated success of the six major global events scheduled for 2026. Events like the Thailand Biennale and the Global Wellness Summit are expected to draw massive international attention, reported The Nation.

 

Key Takeaways:

• Phuket experiences its best high season in five years, surpassing pre-Covid levels.
• Six major global events in 2026 are poised to boost tourism revenue by 10%.
• Increased direct flights and strategic roadshows aim to expand market reach.

Related Stories:

Phuket Aims for ‘Quality’ Tourists with Revenue Boost

Phuket Luxury Homes: High Demand from Foreign Buyers

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Nation 2025-12-17

 

 

 

Expecting it is one thing getting it is another with whats going on in thailand i doubt it

Reading the English language "print" media in Thailand one gets the impression that Thailand is booming, tourists are flooding back to Thailand, that the southern floods have gone and all is back to normal in Hat Yai/Song Khla , etc., etc.  The reality on the ground however is very different.

High season is already over ? 

I get the impression hotel prices are so high, tourists only have money left to drive around all day.

5 hours ago, JimHuaHin said:

Reading the English language "print" media in Thailand one gets the impression that Thailand is booming, tourists are flooding back to Thailand, that the southern floods have gone and all is back to normal in Hat Yai/Song Khla , etc., etc.  The reality on the ground however is very different.

Too right, Hat Yai looks like a war zone

Maybe they should talk to the actual people working in the tourism industry in Phuket.   A much different story.   All my Thai friends in the industry are crying the blues.  In fact several of them are taking time off instead of working 7 days a week like they do every "high season".  Lot's of cars and traffic though.  Who are those people driving around blocking the roads?

18 hours ago, JimHuaHin said:

Reading the English language "print" media in Thailand one gets the impression that Thailand is booming, tourists are flooding back to Thailand, that the southern floods have gone and all is back to normal in Hat Yai/Song Khla , etc., etc.  The reality on the ground however is very different.

I wonder if TAT had any input into that?

Maybe these tourist  "experts" have been watching Putin's dillusional claims of victory when the reality on the ground is a striking contrast! 

22 hours ago, ozz1 said:

Expecting it is one thing getting it is another with whats going on in thailand i doubt it

With half of the south flooded maybe they moved location ?