Phuket expects Kazakhstani tourist surge from new direct flights
Phuket anticipates a surge in Kazakhstani tourists with the inauguration of direct flights from the Central Asian country’s remote capital, Astana.
Air Astana is operating the service, and the maiden direct flight, KC163, departed from Kazakhstan and arrived in the southern island province yesterday, October 27.
Suladda Sarutilavan, director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Europe region, stated that the new service is expected to significantly boost tourist numbers.
“Kazakhstan is a prime target for the TAT, with direct flights now and visa-free entry. This should help lift visitor numbers to the TAT’s goal of 200,000 Kazakhstanis this year.”
She highlighted that Kazakhstanis are the second largest group of visitors from the central-eastern European region, following Russians.
Phuket is already a top holiday destination for vacationers from Kazakhstan, along with other favourites such as Pattaya, Krabi, and Phang Nga.
Bangkok Post reports that from January 1 to yesterday, October 27, there have been 137,000 arrivals from Kazakhstan, marking a 16% increase year-on-year, with each visitor spending an average of 75,000 baht per trip, according to TAT statistics. Most of these visitors were first-timers, according to the TAT.
In related news, Phuket’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports (MoTS) confirmed that the upcoming tourism tax, expected to be implemented early next year, will not impact foreigners who reside or work in Thailand.
A MoTS Phuket official clarified that the proposed tax has not yet been presented to the Cabinet for approval.
In other news, 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, 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.
