PHUKET: The four-day government holiday that began on Thursday will generate more than 2 billion baht in revenue from tourist spending on this island province, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Phuket office.
There were 24,370 international passengers booked on 137 flights operated by 29 airlines arriving in Phuket from Oct 13 to 16, plus 28,038 domestic passengers on 217 flights operated by 7 domestic airlines. The average load factor was 70-90%, Phuket office director Nanthasiri Ronnasiri said on Friday.
She said room occupancy during the four-day holiday was predicted at 39.16%, with the average room stay 2.30 nights per person.
An estimated 152,691 visitors were expected in Phuket during the period, generating around 2.19 billion baht, Ms Nanthasiri said.
The Thanyabura Trail Run 2022 will be held on Oct 16, she said.
The four-day holiday began on Oct 13, the anniversary of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great's passing.
Phuket marine officials on Friday inspected the safety of passenger boats at piers in Phuket, as the island province saw about 10,000 visitors a day during the holiday period.
Phuket marine office director Nachaphong Pranit said the number of visitors using water transport has increased during this period, and the marine officials are working closely with relevant agencies to ensure the safety of tourists.
The inspections, aimed at boosting visitors’ confidence in water transport safety, did not find any violation of the navigation law, said Mr Nachaphong.
No recent water accidents were reported, he added.