Phuket and Songkhla Expect Tourism Revenue to Surpass 4.1 Billion Baht during Vegetarian Festivals

Strategic Insights -

This year's vegetarian festival in Phuket and Songkhla is expected to attract a significant number of visitors, with domestic trips forecast to increase by 28% year-on-year to 382,710. The festivals are set to generate a substantial amount of revenue, with Phuket's event expected to earn 2.3 billion baht from 198,239 domestic trips, and Songkhla's event expected to earn 1.76 billion baht from 184,471 trips. The events are also attracting foreign tourists, with 82% of visitors estimated to come from short-haul markets such as Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia.

Key Takeaways:

  • The vegetarian festival in Phuket and Songkhla is expected to attract 382,710 domestic trips, a 28% increase year-on-year.
  • Revenue from the festivals is forecast to rise by 31% to 4.1 billion baht, with Phuket's event expected to earn 2.3 billion baht and Songkhla's event expected to earn 1.76 billion baht.
  • Hotels in Phuket registered an average occupancy rate of 81% during the festival, while hotels in Songkhla had an average occupancy rate of 75%.
  • Foreign tourists are increasingly interested in joining the celebration, with 82% of visitors estimated to come from short-haul markets such as Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia.
  • Malaysian and Singaporean tourists typically visit the festival in Phuket annually due to their Chinese-rooted culture, while European tourists are also showing interest in exploring the unique event.
  • Phuket has emerged as a preferred destination for Malaysian tourists during the festival, with more flights from Kuala Lumpur and Penang, and hotel occupancy rates reaching 81%.
  • The Songkhla event is not as famous as in the past, with around 10,000 Malaysian tourists expected to visit Hat Yai this weekend.

Statistics:

  • 382,710 domestic trips are forecast to visit Phuket and Songkhla for the vegetarian festival, a 28% increase year-on-year.
  • Revenue from the festivals is forecast to rise by 31% to 4.1 billion baht.
  • Phuket's event is expected to earn 2.3 billion baht from 198,239 domestic trips, with an average occupancy rate of 81% in hotels.
  • Songkhla's event is expected to earn 1.76 billion baht from 184,471 trips, with an average occupancy rate of 75% in hotels.
  • 82% of foreign tourists visiting Phuket and Songkhla for the celebrations are estimated to come from short-haul markets.

Sources:

  • Thapanee Kiatphaibool, governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)
  • Rangsiman Kingkaew, president of the Tourism Council of Phuket
  • Songchai Mungprasitthichai, president of the Songkhla Tourism Promotion Association