Songkran Festival is expected to boost hotel bookings in Phuket

After the months-long promotion of the government’s “We Travel Together” tourism stimulus campaign throughout the country, the southern province of Phuket is anticipating a 10% increase in hotel reservations for the upcoming Songkran celebration.

Phuket Tourism Association President Thaneth Tantipiriyakij said the province will celebrate Thai New Year from April 13-15, with parties and fun activities on prominent beaches including Kata, Karon, and Patong. During Songkran, the island province is predicted to receive more than 40% of all domestic tourists, increasing from 30% in 2022. Russia, China, and India are the top three countries of origin for foreign tourists.

Phuket International Airport is also anticipated to reopen in May following the completion of taxiway work in order to accommodate additional aircraft, particularly those from China.

Phuket has about 200,000 hotel rooms, with an average occupancy of 60-70% in April. According to a recent Phuket City Development report, the surge of tourists lured by the “We Travel Together” campaign results in a 5-10% rise in occupancy during Songkran.