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Phuket Tourism Has Changed Significantly Since 1982.Just as I had predicted, when I first visited in 1982, Phuket tourism has changed significantly. And then some! This is what I wrote in May 1982 as a young man relatively new to the tourism industry in general and Phuket tourism in particular: “The island is lush and hilly with many long white beaches and beautiful off-shore islands…. The tourist infrastructure is very simple with only four international standard hotels (two in Phuket town and two on the coast). Patong Beach is probably the most commercialised….very popular with young travellers who take advantage of the cheap cottage accommodation. It is only recently that tourism has begun to play an important part in the economy of Southern Thailand…the next couple of years are likely to see a drastic increase in its significance” Today the Phuket tourism industry attracts around 3 million visitors per year. There have been many factors that have helped this growth but here are the ones I believe are key: Well-developed infrastructureDevelopment on the island has mushroomed and Patong Beach, which I remember as a small beach-side collection of bars and restaurants congregated around a T junction at Patong Bay, is now more like a small bustling town with a road stretching right along the beach front and buildings several blocks deep. It is, as then, the centre for nightlife in Phuket. Restaurants and bars are now found in great numbers in Patong and around the island.There is an excellent road system around the island which connects with the mainland across Sarasin Bridge and Thep Krasattri Bridge. The island has very good health care including
the Phuket International Hospital
and
the Bangkok Hospital in Phuket.
Scenic Beauty
The island has a mountain range stretching from north to south with some 70% of the island covered in jungle. There are a couple of National Parks but sadly most of the wildlife has been chased away by human development. To the east lies Phang Nga Bay and its many limestone outcrops reaching up to the sky. This is a stunning seascape and well worth a visit. My favourite excursion is kayaking in Phang Nga Bay: a truly memorable experience. The island’s beauty is more than skin deep. For the underwater enthusiast,
Phuket scuba diving
will reveal a whole new world and will suit almost everyone from those who just enjoy a snorkel to the fully-qualified diver.
AccessibilityPerhaps the most important factor in the growth of Phuket tourism is the sheer number of flights that arrive into Phuket every day.There are frequent air connections not only from the Thai capital Bangkok to Phuket but also from Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, Singapore and Hong Kong and many others. Recent years have also seen charter flights and low cost carriers arriving into Phuket Airport.
Today Phuket is surely the most important resort destination in Asia and Phuket tourism a major force to be reckoned with.
AccommodationLast but not least is the incredible range of accommodation from guest houses to luxury resorts.With so much information about the island’s accommodation already available on the web, this site focuses purely on luxury resorts, boutique hotels and villas reflecting my own personal preference. If you, like me, enjoy your creature comforts then I am sure you will find something here to suit, especially if you are looking for a health spa in Phuket. Return from Phuket Tourism to Exclusive Phuket
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