Phuket, Thailand’s premier tourist destination, is set to experience a significant influx of visitors as it prepares for the Chinese New Year festivities. A month-long series of events kicks off today with the aim of enhancing early-year tourism and generating over THB 600 million, approximately USD 18 million.
Siriwan Siharat, Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Phuket Office, anticipates an average hotel occupancy rate of 81.87% throughout the official Chinese New Year period, which runs from February 17 to 23.
The events include notable highlights such as the ongoing ‘Thailand Biennale, Phuket 2025’ international contemporary art festival, which will continue until the end of April. Additionally, the Wat Chalong Fair is scheduled from February 16 to 22, and the 29th Bay Regatta will take place from February 18 to 22. The Phuket Lantern Festival is set for February 11 to March 3, while the Phuket Chinese New Year Festival, known as ‘Duan Sam Ban Rao,’ will occur in Phuket Old Town from February 22 to 24.
During the celebrations in Old Town, visitors will experience the unique blend of Chinese and Phuket cultural heritage through a variety of performances, traditional ceremonies, shopping, and culinary activities designed to create a lively festive atmosphere.
To enhance the visitor experience, free open-top electric tram rides will be available daily from 11:00 to 20:00 throughout February, with boarding at Dragon Square. These electric vehicles provide a fresh perspective on Phuket Town’s Sino-European architecture and prominent viewpoints while promoting sustainable tourism practices.
Phuket’s tourism expectations for the Chinese New Year reflect a growth trend similar to the previous year, when the province welcomed 14.12 million tourists and generated over THB 546 billion, equivalent to USD 16.38 billion.
Source: bangladeshmonitor.com.bd
