Phuket events slated to inject B370mn into local economy

PHUKET: A number of large events being held in Phuket this month are expected to generate as much as 370 million baht in revenue, government officials were told yesterday.

The news was announced at a meeting yesterday morning at Phuket Provincial Hall.

Phuket Governor Tri Aukaradacha chaired the meeting, which was attended by representatives from various government departments.

Buayan Suwanmanee, Director of the Phuket Office of Tourism and Sports, lauded collaborative efforts between private and public sector groups in generating the income.

“We our pleased with the outcome of these events,” Mr Buayan said, going on to highlight Phuket’s money makers for the month.

“Three thousand tourists participated in the Phuket World Musiq Festival from December 2 to 5. Organized by the Phuket Provincial Administration Organization, this event generated approximately 4mn baht,” he said.

“The 25th Phuket King’s Cup Regatta from December 3 to 10 drew 170 competing boats and about 1,000 tourists, generating about 51.5mn baht,” he continued.

Six thousand tourists participated in the 131st commemoration ceremony for Admiral Krom Luang Chumphon Khet Udomsak, revered among Thais as the Father of the Royal Thai Navy, said Mr Buayan.

“Held from December 9 to 19 at the Krom Luang Choomphon Shrine at Saphan Hin, the event generated about 8mn baht,” he said.

Patong Carnival, held from December 15 to 20, generated 85 million baht and attracted about 20,000 tourists, the largest turnout so far, he added.

However, the largest event for the month – in terms of expected turnout and revenue generated – is yet to come, he noted.

“Colorful Phuket Countdown 2012 will be held from December 29 to 31. We expect to attract a total of 50,000 tourists and generate 200mn baht in revenue,” he said.

Mr Buayan added that the OrBorJor‘s Phuket Electronic Music and Dance Festival will also be held in Karon on December 30 and 31.

“This event will begin in the evening and continue through to the morning after,” he added.

He did not estimate how much revenue the event is expected to bring to Phuket.

— Chutharat Plerin