Phuket Set to Become One-Stop Shop Tourist Destination, Reports Freedom Asia

The popular Thai beach resort is getting a major influx of cash for transformation into a shopping destination.

2013-03-21

HERTFORDSHIRE, ENGLAND, March 21, 2013 (Press-News.org) Phuket will no longer be just a beach destination for overseas tourists. Central Retail Corporation has just announced plans to open a US$332 million entertainment, shopping and convention centre on the popular Thai island.

After accommodation (30%), shopping now accounts for 24% of all tourists' spending in Phuket, with the typical tourist spending US$108 per day. To many developers it therefore makes sense to modernise Phuket into more than just a sunny beach escape but into one that can satiate the growing demand for all-round holiday resort destinations.

Tourist numbers have been growing steadily since the 2004 tsunami. On average visitor arrivals into Phuket airport have grown by 9% per year since 2004, however, the growth rate surged in 2012, up by 13% from 2011 and more development means these numbers are set to increase further still in the future.

In 2012 there was an estimated 76% occupancy rate in Phuket; if growth in 2013 continues to be above average and tourist numbers swell beyond 2012's 9.5 million the hotel occupancy rate could reach 100%.

However, Thailand doesn't want to lose its original appeal; its beaches made it famous and it wants to keep it that way. To avoid over saturation more than 4,000 new hotel rooms are planned for 2013-16. Many of these hotels will boast beach-front locations and many will offer more traditional tourism experiences such as temple visits, elephant riding and hinterland exploration. These are all key aspects of a Freedom Asia Phuket holiday. It is an expert in tailor making Asia holidays to encompass accommodation and tours. It caters to all budget levels and aims to work with local suppliers and communities wherever possible.

This new expansion into other non-traditional tourism areas in Phuket will make the island a more appealing destination in its own right without the need for a twin-centre break. Tourists will be able to swim, sunbathe, shop, play and experience Thai culture all from one-island destination.

Sources:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/business/economics/337551/phuket-positions ... estination

http://phuketwan.com/tourism/phuket-thanks-million-january-air-passen ... res-17606/

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