15.06.07: Overseas arrivals to Phuket almost double.
Tourism Authority of Thailand reports the number of tourists arriving at Phuket International Airport in 2006 skyrocketed 94.85% over the same period last year. The number of tourists increased for all countries of origin, with Oceania jumping to the third largest contributor after East Asia and Europe.

The East Asian market remains on top of the chart with 549,952 arrivals. Korea soared 149.94% to lead the way with 177,240. Significant growth was realised from Hong Kong, which recorded 344.58% arrivals. Malaysia climbed 106.36% to 53,267 visitors and Taiwan jumped 103.44% to 33,504. Only Vietnam showed a drop of a meagre 0.23%. Australia contributed the second most tourists behind Korea, bringing the total arrival figures from Oceania to 113,887 for 2006. All European markets supplied more visits compared to 2005. Russia shot ahead 442.26%, with Belgium (+185.38%), Italy (+118.80%), Austria (+108.54%) and Finland (+108.52%) all posting impressive gains.

According to TAT, there are 100 more flights heading to Phuket, during 2007's low season, mostly from Asia. From www.ettrdaily.com.

20.05.07
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18.05.07: Phuket property market shines.
Demand for high-end, long-stay accommodation has led to a flurry of hotels, sea-view and pool villas and condominiums on the resort island.

Now that Phuket has bounced back from the 2004 tsunami, demand for high-end luxury hotels, houses and condominiums is on the rise. Properties for long-term visitors under the "long-stay complex" are still in an "adaptation phase" due to high costs and legal hurdles. Thai Hotels Association Southern Region president, Methee Tanmanattragul, said trends in Phuket's hotel business have been very positive since the previous high season due to high demand.

Existing properties are adding extensions and renovating, while several new four and five star hotels are set to open in 2009. There are also a rising number of 70-to-80-room boutique hotels charging high-end rates. Several international chain hotels are arriving on the island such as Four Seasons, Millennium, Sheraton and Mercure, and are set to open in 2007 or 2008, adding 1,000 rooms to the island's inventory.

Mr Methee predicts that from May to July, this sector will enjoy a 100% increase in occupancy over the same period last year, leading to rates of 40 to 50%. He added hotel room rates could climb 5 to 8%.

According to the Phuket Real Estate Business Association, permanent and expensive accommodation such as houses, villas and condominiums face a bright future on the island. Billions of baht has been invested in constructing sea-view houses and pool villas adjacent to hotel properties, which reflects high demand from the overseas long-stay market and high-end domestic travellers. From www.ettrdaily.com.