Phuket aims for 500 billion baht tourism boost with new initiatives

Phuket aims to boost its tourism revenue to 500 billion baht in the latter half of this year by implementing policies targeted at high-end tourists.

Rewat Areerob, President of the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO), announced the revised revenue goal, which had previously been set at 420 billion baht (US$12.6 billion). He emphasised that the new target underscores Phuket’s potential as a premier destination for tourism, transportation, and aviation.

The PAO has devised two key strategies to enhance tourism and local income, focusing on attracting affluent tourists to the province to increase their spending.

The first strategy addresses traffic congestion by introducing 24 electric vehicles (EVs) to replace the pink pho thong buses that have been in service for over a decade. These EVs will operate along three main routes within the city and one additional route from the airport.

The routes include Saphan Hin to Central Phuket shopping mall (11 kilometres), Ao Chalong Pier to Super Cheap supermarket (18 kilometres), Rassada Pier to Andamanda Water Park (10.5 kilometres), and Phuket Airport to Rawai Beach (47 kilometres), said Rewat.

“The new routes have been designed to provide better access to tourist attractions, schools, communities, and commercial areas.”

Each EV can accommodate 21 passengers and trial runs are scheduled to begin in December.

The second strategy involves relocating Phuket’s provincial prison to Ban Bang Jo in Thalang district, enabling the old prison site to be transformed into a public park.

The 33-rai park will serve as a recreational green space for both locals and tourists. The project, with a budget of 169.5 million baht (US$5 million), will include parking space for 300 cars and will be connected to surrounding green areas, creating a large, central public park.

Rewat highlighted the significance of these initiatives in elevating Phuket’s status as a top-tier tourist destination. The introduction of EVs is expected to improve the overall visitor experience by providing efficient and eco-friendly transportation options. Meanwhile, the creation of the public park aims to enhance the quality of life for residents and offer an attractive leisure spot for tourists, reported Bangkok Post.

Overall, these efforts reflect Phuket’s commitment to sustainable tourism and infrastructure development, aligning with global trends towards environmental consciousness and high-quality travel experiences.