Phuket records sharp rise in Israeli visitors as arrivals dip slightly

Phuket welcomed 8,096,059 visitors between January and July 2026, down 1.53% from the same period last year, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Phuket Office.

Despite the decline in arrivals, tourism revenue reached B310.9 billion, just 0.72% below the figure for the same period last year. Average hotel occupancy was 75.56%, a year-on-year decrease of 1.74%.

Israeli arrivals recorded the strongest growth among Phuket’s top 10 markets. The island received 16,152 visitors from Israel in July, up 52.43% year on year and 1,204.68% above the July 2019 level.

Russia remained Phuket’s largest inbound market during the first seven months, with 619,130 visitors. Germany, France, Malaysia, Kazakhstan and South Korea were also listed among the leading markets. Chinese arrivals increased 19.02% year on year in July but remained 63.39% below the 2019 level.

Phuket is also due to gain new direct air links. Kuwait Airways is scheduled to begin twice-weekly flights between Kuwait and Phuket on 27 October 2026. MIAT Mongolian Airlines is expected to operate three weekly services from Ulaanbaatar between December 2026 and March 2027.