Overseas entrances to Phuket expected to drop – Foreseeing implications to Phuket travel and commerce

Representatives for the Phuket Tourist Association have spoken out about the implications of a slowing Chinese market and the liquidation of a certain Indian airline to the levels of overseas entrants – and how they are expected to drop lower than projected. Go First, an inexpensive flight choice based in India filed for insolvency and is predicted to upset flights from India and bring about instability in tourist numbers from the region.

Additionally, the short-term shutdown of the Phuket International Airport (which will last until early July) is also predicted to delay flight development, potentially affecting industries such as tourism, and nearby locations including resorts in Khao Lak are expected to be affected. This means that many luxury properties such as the Avani+ Khao Lak Resort will likely suffer less foot traffic and nearby businesses can also be expected to receive less trade and commerce. It is hopeful that after the opening of the new airport in early July, tourism traffic should increase and hotels and resorts can cover up for this shortfall/loss during this time.