The eagerly awaited report compiled by C9 Hotelworks own research and Office of Tourism Development, Thailand shows a passenger increase of 28% for the first six months in 2010 compared to this same time last year. This is a significant sign of recovery for the hotel market in Phuket. Hoteliers have also seen a rise in occupancy from 61% to 70% for the same period.
Other key factors in the report are;
TOURISM :
The first half of 2010 signalled a rebound of Phuket tourism with a growth of passengers by 28% v”s the first 6 months of 2009 and 11% compared to the same period in 2008.
A boost in direct flights from Asia and Australia contributed to a surge in the number of flights by 30% and 11% compared to first half of 2009 and 2008 respectively.
Thailands Airport Authority (AOT) expansion program of Phuket International Airport is underway with a start of construction activity by the end of this year announced. Scheduled to be completed by 2013 the improvements will double the annual airport capacity to 12.5 million passengers.
AOT is soliciting bids for a private jet terminal as part of its business development strategy. The proposed terminal is planned to be up and running in the next three years to serve demand from private charter jets and high net worth individuals.
Australian visitors have been the number one source of passengers since 2005 with a compound annual growth rise of 31%.
The global economic crisis in 2008 initiated a dramatic shift from the long haul European tourist to the short haul Asian and Middle East market, contributing to a transition in guest profile and the needed adjustment of products offered.
Top 5 Visitors
Sweden
Australian
Finland
Russia
Denmark
Top 5 Growth Markets:
Indonisia
China
India
Middle East
Australia
Top 5 Asian Markets
China
Middle East
Japan
Malaysia
India
