Phuket tourism optimistic as it enters record peak season

Phuket's tourism industry expects the peak season, which runs until the first quarter of 2026, to be the best in five years, thanks to increased visitor spending, longer stays and new long-haul routes to southern Thailand.

Beach in Phuket. (Photo: Vinh Ha)

Phuket Tourism Association President Thaneth Tantipiriyakij said the number of visitors to Phuket by 2025 will increase sharply, especially from high-spending long-haul markets. On average, the island welcomes 60,000-80,000 visitors per day, with about 400 flights.

Many European tourists are booking tours earlier than usual, pushing up room prices by 30% compared to 2019; room occupancy is expected to reach 90%. Although the Chinese market has only recovered about 30% compared to pre-Covid-19 levels, foreign visitors' spending is significantly higher thanks to many high-income travelers.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) said that from November to December, Phuket will welcome new direct flights from Paris (France), Stockholm (Sweden) and Oslo (Norway).

However, infrastructure remains a major challenge, including road capacity, clean water supply, waste treatment and the slow progress of the Patong tunnel project. Regarding the province's new airport, Mr. Thaneth said that it is necessary to soon have a plan to distribute the flow of tourists to less overloaded areas, such as combining the Phuket - Phangnga - Ranong tour.

The southern Thai province is expected to generate 550 billion baht (over $17 billion) in tourism revenue this year, up from 480 billion baht (nearly $15 billion) in 2024. The top three markets are Russia, India and China, with strong increases also recorded from the UK, Germany and Australia. In 2026, Phuket tourism is forecast to increase by another 10% thanks to the hosting of six major international events.

Air Arabia launched a direct flight from Sharjah to Krabi on November 29. (Source: Bangkok Post)

New flight route to Krabi

Last week, Krabi province (located east of Phuket) welcomed the inaugural flight from Sharjah operated by Air Arabia, bringing about 5,220 additional visitors per month.

As of November 23, Thailand had welcomed 728,340 visitors from the Middle East and is expected to end the year with 850,000 arrivals. The average spending of tourists from this region is 100,000 Baht/trip, staying for about 10 days.

Despite increased competition from Japan and Vietnam, Thailand remains among the top five destinations for Middle Eastern tourists, said Santi Sawangcharoen, TAT Director for the Americas, Middle East and Africa. TAT is strengthening promotional cooperation with businesses and airlines in the region and is preparing to open a new office in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Ms Wajanan Silpawornwiwat, TAT Southern Region Director, said Krabi continues to attract visitors thanks to its pristine nature, Muslim-friendly cuisine and diverse accommodation options. The number of international visitors to the area increased by 6% this year.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/du-lich-phuket-lac-quan-khi-buoc-vao-mua-cao-diem-ky-luc-336692.html