Phuket looks to build ties with Gold Coast sister city

*# Phuket looks to build ties with Gold Coast sister city. ## Australia’s Gold Coast city and Phuket plan to sign a letter of intent to establish themselves as sister cities on September 10. Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate will travel to Phuket to sign the agreement with his Phuket counterparts. He said that Gold Coast and Phuket share similarities in economic success, year-round sunshine and a cosmopolitan lifestyle. “I want this sister city partnership to work, because I know that Gold Coast and Phuket are a good match. We will see what Phuket authorities and other business operators will be interested in, this is the first stage,” said the mayor. He said Phuket has the potential to become a mid-way destination for European travellers to spend a few weeks before flying on to Gold Coast. He says that for an interim period of one year, the Gold Coast government will send officials to Phuket to explore areas where they can exchange work ideas and knowledge. Gold Coast is a multicultural city and a hub for Australia’s tourism with its geography and economy similar to Phuket. These relationships open doors to the world and create real outcomes for Gold Coast residents and businesses. Currently, Gold Coast has eight sister cities and one friendship agreement, all of which have helped shape Gold Coast as a city of global significance by fostering successful business and cultural ties. As for the benefit to Phuket, Andrew Park, the Honorary Consul of Thailand for Queensland, Australia, says that the partnership is important at many levels. “Prince Songkla University Hospitality and Tourism School in Phuket is well established and well regarded as one of the world best hospitality, hotel management and tourism schools while the Griffith University in the Gold Coast has the same high acclaim globally,” Park said. He also said that in terms of the business linkages, the agreement will be a driver for the government of Gold Coast to express an interest in developing stronger partnerships with Phuket at the business level. The marine sector, with the wealthy high-end yachting industry, is something Phuket does very well and I believe that is something Gold Coast can learn and benefit from.”.*

Published: 2026-03-14 16:49 UTC Event date: developing

Phuket is set to strengthen international ties by signing a letter of intent with Australia’s Gold Coast to become official sister cities on September 10, aiming to foster business, cultural, and educational exchanges between the two popular beach destinations.

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate, who is half Thai and originally from Saraburi, will travel to Phuket to formalise the agreement alongside local officials. The partnership is intended to pave the way for deeper cooperation and to explore international business opportunities that could benefit both municipalities.

Mayor Tate highlighted the similarities between Phuket and the Gold Coast, noting their shared economic success, vibrant beach culture, and cosmopolitan lifestyles. He expressed hopes that the partnership would lead to practical exchanges, particularly in areas such as lifeguard training, beach management, and tourism services. “We will see what Phuket authorities and other business operators will be interested in, this is the first stage,” he said.

For Phuket, the collaboration could open doors to new economic and tourism prospects. Mayor Tate suggested that Phuket might serve as a midway destination for European travellers en route to Australia, potentially increasing visitor numbers and lengthening tourist stays on the island. The initiative also includes a one-year period during which Gold Coast officials will be stationed in Phuket to identify areas for knowledge and skills exchange.

Topics for cooperation may include waste management strategies and green energy initiatives, with both cities seeking to share expertise in tackling urban challenges. Such partnerships have traditionally focused on cultural and educational exchanges, but are increasingly recognised for their potential to stimulate economic growth and establish reliable business contacts.

The Gold Coast, which already maintains eight sister city relationships, has benefited from similar agreements through trade missions, business delegations, and student exchanges. These international connections have been credited with enhancing the city’s global profile and creating real opportunities for residents and businesses.

Locally, Phuket residents and business owners could see tangible benefits from the new partnership, including increased tourism, improved municipal services, and greater access to international markets. The agreement is also expected to encourage cultural understanding and provide avenues for local students and professionals to participate in exchange programmes.

As preparations for the signing ceremony continue, officials from both cities are working to identify immediate areas for cooperation. The coming year will see exploratory visits and discussions, setting the stage for long-term collaboration. Residents and tourists alike are advised to watch for new initiatives and exchange opportunities arising from this landmark partnership.

Source: https://www.nationthailand.com/international/30354042