Phuket – December and January were massive tourism months

December and January were massive tourism months – but still less than 50% of 2019 average

Phuket is experiencing a resurgence in tourism, with the number of visitors to the island reaching nearly 50% of pre-pandemic levels, according to the director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand Office in Phuket, Nantasiri Ronsiri.

According to the local TAT office, from January to December 2022, Phuket saw 9.26 million visitors, with 53.6% being domestic tourists and 46.4% being international tourists.

Ms. Ronsiri noted that foreign tourists contributed 70% of the entire revenue, while Thai tourists accounted for around 20%. The top 10 countries in terms of the number of arrivals to Phuket over the last year were Russia, India, Australia, England, Singapore, Germany, Malaysia, Kazakhstan, South Korea and the US.

The arrival numbers, published by Phuket Immigration, from November 1, 2022 – January 26, 2023, show the huge ratio of Russian vs other nationalities arriving in Thailand.

1	Russia	249332
2	India	84075
3	UK	45543
4	Australia	44657
5	Kazakhstan	44039
6	Singapore	37575
7	Germany	33783
8	Malaysia	28096
9	USA	22334
10	South Korea	24332
11	Sweeden	20460
12	France	19234
13	Israel	14682
14	China	12659
15	Finland	10999
16	Italy	10301
17	Denmark	9729
18	Hongkong	9053
19	Switzerland	8938
20	Poland	8696
21	Thailand	7211
22	South Africa	6478
23	Uzbekistan	3245
24	Canada	5696
25	vietnam	5459

“It is surprising to see Kazakhstan and America on the list, as a large group of Kazakh tourists generally choose to land and stay in Phuket for a few days before taking a trip to other destinations, such as Bangkok or Samui island.”

“As for Thai tourists, many chose to visit Phuket over the New Year’s Day period, but foreign tourists still outnumbered them. In the middle of January, 2023, Phuket welcomed three flights from China, which mostly carried business people. However, large Chinese tour groups are expected to arrive in Phuket as soon as they receive visas.”

The hotel occupancy rate in Phuket is currently at about 80%, with some places reaching 90-95%.

“But some hotels are not fully open yet, as they lack the funds to restart their operations.”

It is estimated that there are around 30% of Phuket’s hotels and businesses still closed.

Ms. Ronsiri stated that the objective for 2023 is to attract a minimum of 12 million international and domestic tourists to Phuket, while the overall target for Thailand is to welcome 23 million visitors.

Source – Phuket News

Thailand’s Phu Kradueng National Park to close until September 30

Chief of Phu Kradueng National Park, Sombat Phimprasit says that the park will be closed from now until September 30. The park is in north-east Thailand, near Loei and just south of the Laos border.

The park chief says the annual closure, during Thailand’s rainy season, is because trekking and trailing will be too tough and risky due to the difficult terrain. He said the break also allows nature to regenerate the flora and fauna.

The park will also take the opportunity to fix all the facilities in the camping ground and its accommodation in readiness for the next tourist season. Tourists won’t be admitted into the park or allowed to stay overnight.

But tourists and visitors will still be allowed to visit Sri Than Centre and Tad Hong Waterfall at the 123 Wildlife Conservation Centre in Nanoi at the foot of Phu Kradeung.

For those who wish to trek and trail on the top of Phu Kradueng between October 1, 2019 and May 31, 2020 can reserve their camping quota and park accommodation in advance via the park’s website at nps.dnp.co.th.

Enquiries can also be made directly to Phu Kradueng National Park, telephone number 042 810 833 and 042 810 834.

Source – TheThaiger