Phuket eyes B500bn in revenue for 2025

*Phuket expects to achieve 500 billion baht in tourism revenue this year, said Sophon Suwannarat, the island's provincial governor. "Of the 35.5 million international arrivals last year, more than 13 million were in Phuket, making the island a very important destination for generating income for the country, and second only to Bangkok," he said. As Phuket will host the World Sustainable Tourism Council conference next year, the island will implement projects and measures to address the impact of tourism -- including inappropriate behaviour by tourists and the increasing levels of rubbish and water pollution -- in order to demonstrate its commitment to sustainable tourism initiatives, he said. However, more will be needed, and the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation has been asked to build an additional incinerator capable of processing another 500 tonnes a day to support waste management for another ten years, he said. "We hope these projects will help Phuket become a liveable city and efficiently welcome tourists from around the world," he said.*

Published: 2026-03-14 18:08 UTC Event date: developing

Phuket is aiming to generate 500 billion baht in tourism revenue in 2025, provincial governor Sophon Suwannarat announced recently, as the island continues to attract millions of international visitors and prepares to host a major global tourism event next year.

Governor Sophon highlighted Phuket’s significance in Thailand’s tourism sector, noting that of the 35.5 million international arrivals nationwide last year, over 13 million visited Phuket. This positions the island as the country’s second most popular destination after Bangkok, underscoring its vital role in generating income for both the province and the nation.

With tourism numbers expected to remain high, local authorities are ramping up efforts to address the environmental and social impacts associated with the influx of visitors. Phuket will host the World Sustainable Tourism Council conference in 2025, and officials plan to use the occasion to showcase the island’s commitment to sustainable tourism practices.

Governor Sophon outlined a series of initiatives aimed at mitigating tourism’s adverse effects. These measures include tackling issues such as inappropriate tourist behaviour, increasing volumes of rubbish, and water pollution. The governor emphasized the need for concrete action to maintain Phuket’s appeal as a livable city for residents while ensuring a positive experience for tourists.

To support waste management efforts, the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation has been tasked with constructing an additional incinerator capable of processing 500 tonnes of waste per day. This facility is expected to bolster the island’s ability to manage rubbish for at least the next decade, helping to reduce environmental pressures and maintain public health standards for both locals and visitors.

The anticipated boost in tourism revenue is expected to benefit a wide range of local businesses, from hotels and restaurants to transport providers and tour operators. However, the increased tourist numbers also present challenges for infrastructure, public services, and the natural environment, making sustainable management a top priority for provincial authorities.

As preparations continue for the World Sustainable Tourism Council conference, Phuket residents and businesses can expect to see further investments in sustainable tourism initiatives. The success of these efforts will be closely watched, as the island seeks to balance economic growth with the long-term well-being of its community and environment.

Source: https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/general/2966670/phuket-eyes-b500bn-in-revenue-for-2025