Phuket expects delayed tourism boom: restaurants full of hope!

Phuket expects delayed tourism boom: restaurants full of hope!

In the heart of the Andaman Sea, where soft sandy beaches meet dynamic nightlife, Phuket restaurants are gearing up for peak season. Despite a 7.23% decline in foreign arrivals to Thailand in the first ten months of 2025, sentiment remains optimistic. In particular, Pisut Suttijindawong, vice president of the Phuket-Andaman Restaurant Club, is optimistic about the coming months, even though tourist flows from China have decreased, according to measures to manage arrivals. But arrivals from Europe, America, the Middle East and Africa have increased, raising hope for local gastronomy. Bangkok Post reports that high season may start later than usual this year - and restaurateurs can't wait.

Phuket is known for its stunning beaches and cultural diversity, and tourist numbers are showing a significant recovery since travel restrictions were eased following the pandemic. The island recorded around 9.7 million tourists in 2025. A number of over 12 million visitors is forecast for 2024, driven by increased demand from markets such as China, Russia and India. These figures illustrate how important tourism is to the local economy: over 90% of Phuket's economy depends directly or indirectly on this sector. Hotelagio shows that arrivals from Europe and other regions are increasingly coming into focus.

A prosperous future?

Despite the challenges, many entrepreneurs in Phuket see the opportunities for a thriving business. Pisut emphasizes that the recently held Vegetarian Festival, which attracted many visitors, is seen as a positive sign for the tourism industry. Demand for high-quality products, such as fresh seafood, could also lead to higher prices, giving restaurants access to better margins in season. As the local economy heads into high season, programs like Khon La Khrueng Plus are being used by the government as a way to bring more Thai guests on board.

The forecasts for the coming years are promising. Phuket, as one of the top destinations in Thailand, could generate revenue of around $14 billion in 2024. This figure reflects the vitality of the tourism sector. Statista highlights that the first half of 2025 is already setting the course for a positive development with 2.77 million passenger arrivals at the airport. In parallel, statistical reports show that the most popular attractions such as Patong Beach and Phi Phi Islands remain a magnet for tourists.

A look into the future

The big question remains: Will the high season, which traditionally begins in November, last longer? Against the backdrop of a changing market, the catering industry in Phuket sees potential for further growth. The tourism sector has proven vital to the region's economic stability and sustainable growth is the goal. More and more companies are looking to diversify to mitigate the impact of international travel and create new revenue streams, such as educational and medical services.

In summary, Phuket will continue to be the focus of international travel in the near future. The combination of a wealth of experiences, outstanding locales and the island's enduring appeal means Phuket is on travelers' reading lists more than ever.