Phuket Tourism Strong Despite Slight Dip, New Routes Launch

Phuket welcomed approximately 4.9 million tourists in the first four months of 2026, generating around 186.9 billion THB in tourism revenue. This represents a 2.1% decline in visitors and a 2.7% decline in revenue compared to the same period last year. Domestic visitors accounted for about 1.36 million, while international visitors reached approximately 3.54 million. Despite the slight decrease in overall numbers, hotel occupancy remained robust at an average of 81.85% according to The Phuket News.

The primary international source markets for Phuket include Russia, China, India, the UK, France, Germany, and Australia. India and South Korea showed notable growth in visitor numbers during this period reported The Phuket News. This diverse mix of visitors contributes to the continued strength of the island's tourism sector.

Phuket International Airport is expanding its air connectivity with several new or resumed routes for the summer season. New services include Singapore-Phuket by Thai Lion Air, Chiang Rai-Phuket by Thai Vietjet Air, and Penang-Phuket by AirAsia. Upcoming launches feature Ho Chi Minh City-Phuket by Vietnam Airlines and a London Heathrow-Phuket service by Virgin Atlantic later in the year as reported by Bangkok Post and The Phuket News. The airport currently serves 71 international destinations across 34 countries.

Phuket experienced a strong holiday weekend for Vesak, with tourism revenue projected to exceed 258 million baht from an expected 42,721 domestic visitors between May 30 and June 1. Hotel occupancy averaged 69.42% during this period, with an average stay of 1.86 days, indicating short-haul long-weekend travel. Phuket International Airport anticipated approximately 352 domestic flights and 45,866 arriving passengers over the holiday weekend according to the Bangkok Post.