Surat Thani sees sharp rise in arrivals – Revenue increases

Surat Thani, a province in southern Thailand that includes popular islands like Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao, experienced the highest growth in tourist arrivals and tourism revenue in the country last year. According to data from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, Surat Thani earned 27.66 billion baht from tourist arrivals in 2022, a significant increase of 912.04% compared to 2021. The province welcomed 3,690,642 visitors during the year, marking a 666.74% increase from the previous year.

Hotel guests also rose by 696.38% to reach 2,713,270. The hotel occupancy rate at properties like SAii Koh Samui which offered Koh Samui hotel deals stood at 45.24%. The governor of Surat Thani expects further growth in tourist arrivals and revenue this year, citing the presence of Thai and foreign visitors in January, regular cruise ship arrivals to Koh Samui, and charter flights to Surat Thani and Koh Samui. The province’s attractions, including Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao, continue to be popular destinations for tourists.