Bumper year expected for Phuket tourism

*Tourism revenue in Phuket this year is likely to exceed the total in 2019, with almost as many visitors as in the year before the Covid pandemic, according to Thanet Tantipiriyakit, president of the Phuket Tourist…*

Published: 2026-03-14 20:38 UTC Event date: developing

Phuket is on track for a record-breaking year in tourism, with officials predicting that total revenue in 2024 will surpass pre-pandemic levels, according to the Phuket Tourist Association. The island is expected to generate more income from tourism than in 2019, despite welcoming a slightly lower number of visitors, association president Thanet Tantipiriyakit announced on Tuesday.

Data from the Department of Tourism shows that visitors to Phuket generated 246 billion baht in revenue during the first half of the year. Thanet said the full-year target of 500 billion baht is within reach, as spending per tourist has increased. “Phuket has now transformed into a destination for quality tourists, as total spending of tourists has risen above the amount recorded in 2019 despite the overall number of visitors falling slightly,” he said.

The influx of high-spending tourists has brought a welcome boost to local businesses, from hotels and restaurants to tour operators and retailers. Thanet highlighted that the number of arrivals is estimated to reach between 13 million and 14 million by the end of 2024, which is on par with the island’s record year in 2019. Last year, Phuket received about 11 million visitors.

A key driver of the tourism surge is the increase in direct international flights. Thanet announced that the last quarter of 2024 will see the launch of new direct routes, including inaugural flights from Astana, Kazakhstan; Kolkata and Chennai, India; and Siem Reap, Cambodia. Direct flights now connect Riyadh to Phuket, and a new service from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, will begin on December 2. Thanet described these developments as positive news for Phuket’s residents and businesses, as easier access is expected to further stimulate tourism-related revenue.

For Phuket locals, the tourism boom means more employment opportunities and higher demand for goods and services, but it also brings challenges such as increased traffic and pressure on public infrastructure. Tourists can expect improved connectivity and a wider range of travel options to and from the island.

Looking ahead, Thanet expressed optimism about Phuket’s prospects for 2025, noting that international events like the Thailand Biennale Phuket 2025, an international contemporary art festival scheduled from November 2025 to April 2026, are expected to further raise the island’s global profile. Local authorities and tourism operators are preparing for continued growth, while monitoring the impact on the community and environment as Phuket cements its status as a leading destination for international travelers.

Source: https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2892336/bumper-year-expected-for-phuket-tourism