Phuket Hotels Expect 60% Occupancy After Songkran Festival

As the Songkran Festival comes to an end, Phuket – Thailand’s famed island paradise – is gearing up for a bustling season ahead. With hotel occupancy rates expected to reach 60% after the festival, now is the perfect time for travelers to explore this tropical haven.

The Bangkok Post reports that despite the approaching low season, Chinese tourist arrivals continue to rise. Sueksit Suvunditkul, head of the southern division of the Thai Hotels Association, revealed that hotel reservations reached an impressive 86% occupancy rate in the first quarter of 2023. During the Songkran Festival, around 80% of rooms were booked, with a slight dip to 60% expected post-festival as the low tourism season commences in June.

While the rainy season may deter some, intrepid travelers from international markets, including Australia and the Middle East, will still be drawn to Phuket’s enchanting shores. European tourists may decrease, but Chinese and Russian travelers are anticipated to flock to the island in greater numbers.

As the lean season approaches, Phuket can expect visitors from Australia, the Middle East, India, China, Singapore, and Malaysia. Recent immigration data shows that between April 1 and April 15, Russia topped the list of tourist arrivals with 36,999 visitors, followed by China (19,695), Australia (13,410), India (11,614), and England (11,462).

In light of these encouraging trends, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is now targeting 150,000 Saudi visitors this year, up from 96,389 in 2022. With 21,388 Saudi visitors in the first quarter of 2023 alone, the TAT expects these tourists to contribute up to 120 billion baht to the Thai economy.

SOURCE: Thaiger

To make your Thai vacation even more seamless, consider the Thailand Elite Visa. This exclusive initiative offers a range of benefits, including a long-term visa, fast-tracked immigration, and various lifestyle perks. With Phuket’s hotel occupancy looking promising and a wealth of diverse travelers expected, now is the perfect time to make your escape to this tropical paradise.