With an average of one million visitors each month, Phuket's tourism
industry is looking forward to the upcoming high season, buoyed by
increased airline capacity and major sporting events.
According to Danai Sunantarod, the Vice Governor of Phuket, the
island destination ranks second only to Bangkok in terms of
international visitor arrivals. In the first seven months of 2023,
Phuket welcomed over six million tourists, generating more than 200
million baht in tourism revenue.
Phuket’s exceptional performance is also evident for Thai Airways,
with the airline’s head of brand & product & digital marketing
Viruj Ruchipongse sharing that the airline is projecting to reach 12
million this year.
Phuket's remarkable performance is also reflected in Thai Airways'
projections. Viruj Ruchipongse, Head of Brand, Product, and Digital
Marketing for the airline, announced that the Thai national carrier has
seen the average cabin factor increase to 79% this year, up from 69%
last year.
Currently, Thai Airways operates eight daily flights on Airbus A320
aircraft between Bangkok and Phuket. The airline plans to increase seat
capacity and introduce more wide-body planes on this route in the coming
months. This expansion comes as Thai Smile, its low-cost subsidiary, is
being discontinued and integrated into the mainline fleet.
Organisers, partners and supporters of the upcoming 29th Laguna Phuket Triathlon, which will take place at Laguna Phuket on 19 November 2023.
As Phuket heads into the high season, one of the major highlights
later this year is the 29th Laguna Phuket Triathlon, scheduled for 19
November 2023. The event is expected to draw over 1,200 athletes and
2,000 visitors from approximately 30 countries.
Taking place at Laguna Grove, Southeast Asia's longest-running
triathlon features a 1.8km swim in the Andaman Sea and lagoon, a 55km
bike ride through Phuket's picturesque countryside and villages, and a
12km run through the landscaped grounds of Laguna Phuket. For those
seeking shorter options, there's a Sprint race (0.5km swim, 20km bike
ride, and 6km run) and a Duathlon (4km run, 5km bike ride, and 12km run)
suitable for families and friends.
Paul Wilson, Vice President and Deputy Managing Director of Laguna
Phuket, said, "This year's event promises an immersive experience as
participants traverse the exquisite scenery of the Andaman Sea, pristine
lakes, and natural trails, all while enjoying comfortable accommodation
within Laguna Phuket. We look forward to welcoming professional and
amateur triathletes to this exceptional event, which is the perfect way
to kickstart Phuket's high season."
Wilson added that the event has been recognised as one of the "10
Best Triathlons in the World." Additionally, a series of events planned
for non-race days will enhance the experience for participants and their
families, encouraging them to “arrive earlier and stay longer”.
Participants can look forward to world-class accommodation options at
various resorts within Laguna Phuket, along with complimentary car and
boat transfers to the starting line.
Registration for the Laguna Phuket Triathlon is open from now until 13 November 2023.