Koh Samui Welcomes 200,000 Tourists in January 2023

Last month, the scenic island of Koh Samui experienced a remarkable economic turnaround. The Covid-19 pandemic caused uncertainty, but the local economy was helped by the influx of 200,000 visitors. The influx of local and foreign tourists provided a much-needed economic boost to the island’s economy. Officials are now looking forward to a period of sustained economic growth.

Governor Wichawut Jinto expressed his pleasure with the tourism figures for the region, noting that the increase in visits had allowed businesses to recover quickly. He further noted that the revenue generated from tourism was beneficial to the local communities. The governor remarked that this was an excellent start to the year for the tourism industry and that it was clear that the attractions of Surat Thani remained among the most popular tourist options in the country.

Officials saw an increase in international tourists visiting Koh Samui and other popular tourist destinations in the area, such as Khao Sok National Park, Koh Tao, Koh Pha Ngan, and the Ratchaprapa Dam reservoir. This trend is expected to continue in the coming years, bringing a much-needed economic boost to the island and the livelihood of its locals.

In 2020, tourist arrivals in Koh Samui decreased by almost 50% compared to 2019, according to Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports. Despite this, tourists going to the island in January 2021 remain higher compared to 2019.  Most tourists going to Koh Samui were from China, Russia , the United Kingdom, and Germany, while local tourists from Thailand accounted for less than half of the overall number of tourists.

The typical duration of stay for visitors in Koh Samui is 7 days, with an average daily spend of THB1,843 baht. Additionally, the hotel occupancy in the province is at 80% with an average cost per night is around THB2,917 baht.

Most visitors to Koh Samui prefer to staying in hotels, accounting for 45% of the total number of lodgings. Resorts come in second at 25%, villas at 19%, and guest houses at 11%.

SOURCE: Thaiger

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