Phuket tourism riding high despite Thai floods

PHUKET: While many broad areas across Thailand are suffering from serious flooding, tourists are still heading to Phuket in droves, with the island registering 8.2 million* passengers passing through Phuket International Airport since the beginning of the year.

In announcing the news today, Phuket Governor Tri Augkaradacha said, “Many places in the country are suffering from serious flooding, but Phuket has sustained only minor effects, small floods and landslides in some areas, together having only a small effect on tourism.”

The governor pointed out that the number of tourist arrivals to date this year easily outstrips the 6.5 million* people passing through the airport during the same period last year.

“The number has been continually increasing,” he said.

Gov Tri highlighted the importance of Phuket hosting major events as part of the reason for the ongoing boom.

“In November and December, Phuket has various activities such as the King’s Cup Regatta and the FIVB beach volleyball competition, and there will be the Asian Beach Games [in 2014], which will attract competitors from 27 countries,” he said.

Governor Tri added that having a variety of different events not being canceled helped to build tourist confidence in coming to Phuket and in Phuket being a safe place to visit.

* Correction. The original story said 8.2 million and 6.5 million tourist arrivals. The error is regretted.