Phuket News / Island’s Latest Updates

Along with Krabi, the nearest holiday resort town in Thailand mainland, Phuket recorded the highest increase in airline traffic which immediately translated into tourist visiting volume. Furthermore despite of improvements they expect to see, visitors express definite intention to have another visit to Phuket in their future holidays. They also think to recommend Phuket to family relatives, friends, and colleagues back home.

Phuket and Krabi airports still record the highest ever numbers of passengers up to May

The Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited, which manages Phuket International Airport, have informed Andaman News about their latest statistics up to May 2008. They showed a total of 18,744 aircraft movements, up 9.81% from 2007. The total numbers of arriving, departing and transit passengers in the first 5 months of the year, was 2,855,750 showing an increase of 13.56% compared to the same 5 months in 2007: This year still shows the highest ever numbers at Phuket. The total freight showed 8,695 tons in and out, a 3.24 % increase.

Meanwhile Krabi International Airport, under the Civil Aviation Department, also reported its January to May 2008 figures, with with a total of 3,240 aircraft movements or 14.58% decrease compared to 2007: but the total numbers of passengers arriving and departing, with no transits, was 443,450 showing an increase 13.08% compared to the same 5 months in 2007: again these are still the highest numbers of passengers ever at Krabi.

Most tourists say they would return for holidays in Phuket, but voice concerns on a few issues

Four to five major issues are reportedly still concerns for tourists visiting Phuket, according to the Thai Hotel Association, southern chapter president, Metee Thanmanatrakul. This is a result of tourist satisfaction surveys carried out on Patong, Kamala, Kata and Karon beaches. Around 300 samples were collected. The issues found to be tourists’ concerns were tourism activity diversities, guide knowledge and skill, and safety which got scored 66-73% while public transport was less than 70%.

Among tourists’ satisfaction were for hotels and accommodation which got 86-93%, while food and services got over 80%. Despite this Metee said around 96% of tourists who answered the questionnaire stated that they would recommend the destination to families and friends and that they will return to Phuket for more holidays.

News excerpt from Public Relation Department of National News Bureau of Thaiand - thainews.prd.go.th/newsenglish/