Phuket will attract 13 million tourists

PHUKET Kasikorn Research Centre estimates international tourist arrivals to Phuket will reach 13 million and generate THB279 billion in revenue by year-end.
The centre said although tourist arrivals were hit by political unrest, Phuket faired better than other destinations due to its direct flight links with important source markets in the Asia Pacific. However, the coup and martial law ultimately caused declines that impacted on the island’s hotel performance in the second and third quarter of the year.
Since early September there have been an improvement in bookings. This will continue with the popular Vegetarian Festival that started 24 September and will drive tourism bookings from China, Malaysia, and Singapore through to early October.
During the festival, 24 September to 2 October, the centre estimates Phuket will have 258,000 visitor arrivals, up 14.0%. It will generate revenue of THB3,100 million up 18.2%.
The province is also hosting the 4th Asian Beach Games (11 to 23 September) and the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta (29 November to 6 October).
The centre estimates Phuket will attract 13 million international tourists, this year, up 8.7% over last year. Tourism receipts are expected to rise by 9% to Bt279 billion. In 2013, the receipts expanded by 11% over the previous year.
Kasikorn Research Centre is a subsidiary company of Kasikorn Bank, which conducts tourism and business research mainly on Thailand’s economy including tourism with reliable recommendations and indicators on business prospects.

sourced:ttrweekly.com