New C9 Hotelworks Phuket Hotel and Tourism Update Released
Since the easing of travel restrictions in Thailand, pent-up demand has continued to push travelers to Phuket. The first half of 2022 created positive market sentiment, as the Island welcomed 1.78 million visitors, a 342% increase over the same period last year.
European source markets delivered higher volumes in the first quarter, while Asian source markets gained traction in international visitation in the second quarter. As regional countries in Asia reopened borders to overseas travel, Phuket has seen an influx of family-oriented travelers.
With an increase in international travelers, Phuket’s hotel sector performance is starting to see a recovery trend in occupancy. As a result of more airlift, the Island registered an overall occupancy rate of 31.5% in H1 2022, up from 5.1% in the first half of 2021.
The upswing in demand was highest on the Island’s west coast as the preferred choice of travelers. Looking forward, a seasonal transition will see international scheduled and charter flight winter schedules come into effect at the end of October and continue through March 2023.
C9 is forecasting an optimistic outlook that Phuket tourism will continue recovering, albeit at a moderate pace moving into 2023. Factors driving this view are the continued zero-COVID policy in Mainland China, and limited airline seats for Russian snowbird travelers this winter season.
To download C9 Hotelworks Phuket Hotel Market Outlook 2022 CLICK