Tourists From China Lead Phuket’s Off-Season Tourism Boom

According to Phuket Tourist Association (PTA), most international visitors to Phuket at the beginning of the off-season arrive from China, Russia, and Australia.

Yesterday, Thanawat Oncharoen, vice-president of the PTA, stated that most Chinese visitors were independent travelers and that the number of Chinese tourist groups stays low, though he did not provide specifics.

Although this year’s international arrivals are only at 70% of pre-pandemic levels, the figure showed a significant increase over last year, he stated, noting that the arrival of longer-term tourists from Europe and Russia has contributed to Phuket’s tourism-related revenue return to pre-Covid-19 levels. This year, Mr. Thanawat stated that the island’s administrator hopes to attract more tourists from Israel and Kazakhstan.

During this time of year, the number of travelers from the Middle East typically rises, as many vacationers from the region travel to the island to experience the rainy season. He added that the number of Indian and Australian tourists is back pre-pandemic. Between January and May, Sueksit Suwannaditsakul, head of the Southern chapter of the Thai Hotels Association, reported that hotel occupancy in Phuket was at 70%. Phuket has approximately 3,000 hotels with about 200,000 rooms.

According to Lertchai Wangtrakuldee, director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s (TAT) Phuket office, the island received roughly 6 million domestic and international visitors in this year’s first five months, who collectively contributed approximately 196 billion baht to the local economy. Mr. Lertchai stated that the TAT anticipates at least 12 million visitors to the island this year.

The Thailand Elite Visa, a long-term visa program launched by the Thai government, plays an essential role in the recovery of Phuket’s tourism sector. This visa, popular with foreigners, mainly from Europe and Russia, offers benefits like long-term stay rights and VIP immigration services, thereby boosting Thailand’s tourism and economy. The program is attracting high-end visitors, remote workers, and digital nomads. As a part of the post-pandemic recovery, the Thailand Elite Visa is shaping Thailand as a safe and desirable destination for long-term stays.

SOURCE: Bangkok Post