Phuket dreams of a Vietnamese tourist boom
Tourism operators in Phuket, the jewel of Thailand’s southern resort islands, are optimistic about a significant influx of Vietnamese tourists following a high-impact promotional campaign in Vietnam’s two largest cities.
Thanet Tantipiriyakit, President of the Phuket Tourist Association stated that the island aims to welcome at least 120,000 visitors from Vietnam this year, marking a 50% increase from last year’s 80,000. The recent promotional events in Ho Chi Minh City on May 21 and Hanoi on May 23 are expected to fuel this surge.
Last year, Thailand saw approximately 1 million arrivals from Vietnam, yet only a modest 8% ventured to Phuket. This year, operators are targeting at least 12% of Vietnamese tourists to choose Phuket as their destination. The introduction of direct flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Phuket is anticipated to play a crucial role in achieving this goal.
Supakan Yodchun of the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Ho Chi Minh City office highlighted that southern Vietnamese tourists have considerable purchasing power and that Phuket offers an appealing array of facilities.
“Phuket caters not only to individual travellers and families but also to those attending meetings or seminars.”
Despite a 5.4% decline in Vietnamese arrivals to Thailand from January to April this year, with 290,000 visitors compared to the same period last year, Phuket’s tourism operators remain hopeful, reported Bangkok Post.
They believe that targeted efforts and improved accessibility will reverse this trend and establish Phuket as a preferred destination for Vietnamese holidaymakers.
In related news, starting June 1, IndiGo will double its weekly flights from Delhi to Phuket from seven to 14, in response to Thailand’s extension of visa-free stays for Indian citizens until November 11.
IndiGo, India’s premier low-cost airline, is enhancing its service with twice-daily flights, offering morning and evening departures. This increased frequency will provide greater flexibility and convenience for travellers planning their trips to Thailand’s most famous tourist island.
