Phuket expects a busy Songkran

PHUKET IS EXPECTED to receive about 264,350 visitors during the Songkran holiday this year, generating at least B7 billion in revenue, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).

The island is expected to experience high levels of congestion during the Thai New Year holiday from Apr 12-16, Phuket TAT office Director Lertchai Wangtrakuldee, said on Mar 19

Hotel bookings have already reached almost 80% capacity despite being in its low tourism season, Mr Lertchai said.

According to the office’s survey of 2,069 hotel samples, the occupancy rate stands at 78.56% of a total of 111,427 rooms, with each visitor staying an average of five nights.

The projected 264,350 visitors to Phuket during Songkran are expected to spend an average of B6,625 per day, generating B7.04bn for the popular tourist destination, Mr Lertchai said.

Among international arrivals, Russian tourists are the largest group, with at least 5,000 visitors a day, followed by Chinese visitors as the second largest group, with about 2,000 visitors daily.

There has also been an increase in visitors from the European market, especially Germany, England and Kazakhstan, he said.

However, the number of Indian visitors has dropped slightly as some opted for nearby destinations such as Krabi, he added.

The TAT anticipates growth in Middle Eastern arrivals and a higher volume of domestic visitors during Songkran due to reduced travel costs in April.

Regarding Songkran activities in Phuket, Mr Lertchai said ceremonies and events will be held at many locations such as Saphan Hin Bridge, Phuket Old Town and Patong Beach.