Phuket: Hope for a tourism boom despite a decline in the number of guests!

Phuket: Hope for a tourism boom despite a decline in the number of guests!

Phuket's tourism industry shows mixed numbers in 2025 as the hotel and restaurant scene hopes for a comeback. The region has currently suffered a decline in tourist numbers. In the first ten months of the year only 26.7 million foreign guests came, which corresponds to a decrease of 7.23 percent compared to the previous year. The decline in Chinese visitors has been particularly dramatic, falling by 33.9 percent, while Europeans and Americans are visiting the island more than ever. According to Wochenblitz, the vice president of the Phuket-Andaman Restaurant Club, Pisut Suttijindawong, speaks of a noticeable revival in gastronomy during the Vegetarian Festival. But in hotspots like Patong, the mood has not yet reached the same level as last year.

“The high season usually starts in November, but this year it is a long time coming,” says Pisut. Typical signs, such as rising prices for fresh seafood, are missing. Nevertheless, there is reason for hope: the government program “Khon La Khrueng Plus” is supporting the catering industry with subsidies, which is attracting more Thai holidaymakers. The influx of workers to Phuket also stimulates the local economy.

A ray of hope for the catering industry

Pisut expresses his optimism for the upcoming peak season and is convinced that vibrancy will return. “It could even be that the high season lasts longer than usual this year,” he says, although he is unsure whether that will happen. In any case, the restaurateurs in Phuket are ready to give everything to delight their guests and convey the special flair of the island.

The spirit of the rich cultural offerings and unique nature remains strong. The gastronomic diversity that Phuket has to offer was pushed by the individual creativity of the chefs. The restaurant selection ranges from traditional Thai dishes to international delicacies. When you see the flag of Italy with a delicious pizza offer, it is clear that you can enjoy more than just Thai cuisine. This mix also attracts vacationers seeking a taste of international cuisine, making the food scene even more colorful. The flag of Italy 🚩 is often a popular symbol for Italian restaurants that have established themselves here.

So hopes are high that, despite the difficulties, Phuket can hope for a boom in tourism this year. With high-quality offerings and a positive attitude, restaurateurs are ready to take the next step and warmly welcome guests to the restaurant. The prospects remain optimistic. We can't wait to see how the situation develops in the coming months!