Phuket Festival returns to kickstart tourism season this December

Patong City Municipality officially announced the return of the annual Phuket Festival, set to take place from December 8 to 10, marking the kick off of the island’s bustling tourism season.

The 38th Phuket Tourism Festival, themed Phuket Memories of a Lifetime, was revealed during a press event held on Patong Beach yesterday, November 19.

The event was led by Phuket Vice Governor Adul Chuthong and saw participation from Patong Deputy Mayor Lalita Maneesri, alongside notable figures such as Weerawit Kreuasombat, President of the Patong Entertainment Business Association, Thipchalita Sirithaveerat, President of the Patong Hotel Association, and Patong Police Chief Police Colonel Chalermchai Hirasawat.

Patong Municipality has expressed its ambition to establish Patong Beach as a prime destination for tourists worldwide during the high season. The festival will highlight the beach’s breathtaking natural scenery, vibrant cultural traditions, and exceptional hospitality, said Adul.

“The aim is to draw both Thai and international visitors, reinforcing Phuket’s image as a ‘city of happiness and fun.’”

The three-day festivities will be hosted at Bangla Square, located at the end of Bangla Road on Patong Beach, with events starting daily at 10am. A highlight of the festival will be the Grand Parade, showcasing colourful floats from local attractions like Phuket FantaSea, Carnival Magic, Simon Cabaret, and Andamanda Water Park, as well as contributions from cultural and hotel business groups.

Live performances by both local and well-known artists will grace the stage set along the beach, further enhancing the festive mood. In addition to entertainment, cultural displays and local products will be on offer, providing visitors with a taste of the region’s unique arts and crafts, reported Phuket News.

“Visitors can explore an array of arts, crafts, and goods from community groups, supporting the local economy and fostering sustainable tourism.”

In related news, Phuket’s tourism industry is poised for a financial boom, with anticipated earnings reaching an impressive 500 billion baht this year. The island’s strategic focus on attracting visitors through sports tourism, even during the traditional off-season, is driving this growth, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s (TAT) Phuket office.