Phuket Tourism Thrives on Adversity

Although the Thailand tourism market has recently took some negative press for the now disbanded ‘Red Shirt’ saga in Bangkok, Phuket is fighting back in the only way it knows how – carrying on as normal and consolidating the island as one of the world’s favourite holiday destinations.

This is not the first time that Phuket tourism has battled in the face of adversity. The Pearl of the Andaman might only be a relatively small island, but with stockpiles of character and resolve, Phuket is still striving to ensure your holiday will be as memorable as ever. Hotel cancellations have been minimal when compared to other tourist regions across the nation, and Phuket arrival figures for April 2010 have dramatically increased by 41.4% against April 2009. It seems Phuket is once again the place to be with holidaymakers returning to the island to enjoy the exotic environment and smiling faces.

The island manages to precariously balance the beachside getaway destination mantra with solid infrastructure and development that allows you to enjoy the western pleasures you’ve become accustomed to but also bask in the warm glow of a tropical island hovering above the equator. This is what gives Phuket tourism a distinct advantage over neighbouring and rival holiday destinations such as Bali, Indonesia. Phuket is developed and offers great shopping centres such as Central Festival, Jungceylon and Villa Market, which are on par with those in the western world. For every shopping centre, the island also has an idyllic untapped beach, which ensures you receive the best of both worlds.

Tour company owner at Kata, Chalermporn Plaenak, said, “There are not many holiday destinations in the world that offer the same diversity that Phuket tourism provides its guests and visitors. Many people use the island as a hub to explore and dive around the outlaying islands such as Phi Phi or further afield at the Similans. Whether it’s beaches, nightlife, natural scenery, diving, shopping or the property market, Phuket has shown vast growth and development during the past decade, this is why we find it easy to put minor disturbances behind us so easily.”

Although we are now within the clutches of the low season months, with the improved arrival figures up so dramatically, it appears that Phuket tourism is once again on the up and up. Having a wide variety of local facilities and amenities at your fingertips is why you will choose Phuket over its competitors time and time again.

All local business owners and residence are starting to become positive once more, realising that outside factors they cannot control are sometimes a thorn in their side, Phuket’s resilience is second to none. With some of the best beaches and dive locations in the world, there will always be something for holidaymakers to enjoy. Overcoming the political problems is a big plus for the nation of Thailand, and one the world should not take likely. The Land of Smiles is smiling once again – it is about time!