Phuket outlines five-year sustainability development plan

Phuket advances with innovative efforts that integrate community-based tourism, gastronomy, and smart city solutions as part of a five-year development plan for sustainable growth.

Suphon Suwannarat, the governor of Phuket Province, highlights the long-term vision.

“We have a 20-year development goal for Phuket province, which is Phuket as a city of the new economy based on sustainable development to create a balance in life,

“We also have a 5-year development plan and a master plan for the 10 key economic and social pillars of Phuket province, which is a centre for tourism, education, and service innovation at an international standard, along with sustainable development.”

Phuket’s 10 key pillars focus on sustainable tourism, eco-friendly food production, education, health and wellness, maritime and sports tourism, and Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) events.

The plan integrates smart city technologies, promotes sustainable fisheries and farming, and prioritises inclusivity. These efforts aim to balance economic growth with environmental conservation, positioning the Island as a global hub for tourism and innovation.

Community-based tourism

Phuket Old Town sets the standard for community-based tourism, offering visitors a hands-on experience of the island’s rich multicultural heritage. Tourists can explore the iconic Sino-European buildings, symbolising Phuket’s 19th-century architecture, while also experiencing the customs of local Thai, Chinese, and Muslim communities, highlighting the region’s cultural diversity.

The tour extends to cooking activities, including cuisines comprising Hokkien Noodles and local desserts, such as Angku and A-Pong. These experiences tie into Phuket’s ‘Gastronomy and Creative City’ initiative, which promotes sustainable food practices while boosting its reputation as a global culinary destination.

The event also reiterated Phuket’s goal of ‘Tourism for Everyone,’ providing accessible, family-friendly experiences and preserving cultural identities through tourism.

Phuket Old Town’s carbon neutrality project is a collaborative effort involving Phuket City Municipality, the Big Data Institute, and Songkla University to assess and reduce the carbon footprint of the Old Town area.

Kanrutuay Ruktaengam, the project coordinator, reemphasised the project at the 25th International Island Tourism Forum, which aims to cut carbon emissions by 30% by 2030, reach carbon neutrality by 2050, and achieve net-zero emissions by 2065.

Key strategies include separating waste into three types, promoting electric buses, and processing organic waste into fertiliser and energy.

An incredible initiative is the recently launched Dragon Line shuttle EV bus, which operates every 15 minutes from 11am to 10pm, providing free and convenient access to Phuket Old Town. The eco-friendly electric bus is designed to alleviate traffic congestion and parking challenges, offering a sustainable transport option for locals and tourists.