Tourism News

Tourism News Phuketwan Tourism News
facebook recommendations

NEWS ALERTS

Sign up now for our News Alert emails and the latest breaking news plus new features.

Click to subscribe

Existing subscribers can unsubscribe here

RSS FEEDS

Problem? What Problem? Phuket is going against the red tide in Thailand

Phuket's Red Cloud Produces Silver Landings

Monday, April 5, 2010
Phuket Economic Analysis

IS PHUKET really a safe haven from the troubles of Bangkok? Well, yes. Latest figures show Phuket tourism has been thriving despite the blood smearing, television debates and random rolling red rallies in the besieged capital.

International arrivals and departures in March at Phuket International Airport compared to the previous year rose by a massive 38.94 percent to 324,327.

Domestic traffic was up by 17.80 percent, too, making for an overall increase of 26.82 percent.

The number of flights also upturned dramatically, lifting by 28.17 percent to a total of 4272 takeoffs and landings.

Bearing in mind that the negative effect of the red rallies in Bangkok applies from March 12, when the protests began, the figures reveal not just the benefit of Phuket having direct flights, but also the success of Brand Phuket.

Those in tourism who believe that Phuket is almost as well known among travellers these days as Bangkok may have won their point.

Latest STR Global figures showed Phuket resorts at 85 percent occupancy in February. On today's newly released March arrival and departure figures, March is likely to be just as healthy.

What the red rallies are doing is creating a schism in the fortunes of Thailand's tourism industry. Bangkok and the destinations that mostly rely on the capital for travellers are suffering horribly, thanks to the red tide.

Yet Phuket? Phuket is doing very nicely, thank you.

Resort occupancy figures for March can be expected to show Phuket holding steady around the 80-85 percent mark, while almost every other part of Thailand, and especially the capital, will be exceedingly pleased to nudge past 50 percent.

Thailand is becoming two markets, at least for the duration of the red rallies: Phuket and the rest.

October-March figures also reflect the strength of the just-concluded high season, with arrival and departures up 30.91 percent for October 2009-March 2010 compared with October 2008-March 2009.

It would be bad manners to celebrate the good fortune of Phuket and its 'Greater Phuket' Andaman satellites while Bangkok burns with anger and impatience. However, while it would be inappropriate to roll out the red carpet, a sip of champagne and a sly chuckle, without making too much noise, is probably in order.

Now if only something could be done about Phuket property sales . . .
Phuket's Fab Feb Pushes Air Numbers Sky High
Latest For some, the Immigration delay at Phuket airport may be longer than the flight but the number of arrivals and departures keeps right on rising, a good sign for Phuket's future.
Phuket's Fab Feb Pushes Air Numbers Sky High

Phuket Police Probe Big Buddha Land 'Heist'
Latest Police have been alerted to an apparent attempt to convert public land on Big Buddha Hill to private development. The road to the iconic statue is already alive with restaurants.
Phuket Police Probe Big Buddha Land 'Heist'

Phuket Jet-Ski Disaster: Coma Victim Flying Home
Latest A young tourist is in a coma and expected to suffer permanent brain damage after a jet ski collision. His friends say Phuket beach emergency procedures need to be improved.
Phuket Jet-Ski Disaster: Coma Victim Flying Home

Put Tourism First, Say Phuket Protesters
PHOTO ALBUM A protest in Phuket City calls on the PM and red leaders to consider Thailand's tourism industry and to ''stop doing silly things.'' Will the message get through?
Put Tourism First, Say Phuket Protesters

Phuket's Beaches Win Lifeguards and New System
Latest A 9.9 million baht contract is to be signed on Monday that will put in place a new system, restoring lifeguards to Phuket's beaches for the first time since November.
Phuket's Beaches Win Lifeguards and New System

Comments

Comments have been disabled for this article.

Thursday December 5, 2024
Horizon Karon Beach Resort & Spa

FOLLOW PHUKETWAN

Facebook Twitter