Phuket as an investment hotspot: Tourism is booming, new opportunities are emerging!

Phuket as an investment hotspot: Tourism is booming, new opportunities are emerging!

Phuket has presented itself as a true tourism showcase in 2025 - a magnet for travelers from all over the world. In the first eight months of the year, over 9.25 million tourists visited the popular Thai island, generating a whopping revenue of over 355 billion baht. These impressive figures coincide with a general upturn in the tourism sector, which has recovered since the difficult times of the COVID-19 pandemic. How Bangkok Today reports, Phuket is developing not only as a holiday destination, but also as a lucrative investment location in areas such as real estate, restaurants and retail.

The beaches remain the heart of the island, and Bang Tao Beach – also known as Laguna Beach – in particular has emerged as a new destination for hotel and restaurant investment. The Carpe Diem Beach Club is a prime example of the new trend of offering Mediterranean cuisine and an exclusive ambience. Founders Benny De Bellis and Bruce Hanrahan bring over two decades of experience in the hospitality industry and aim to give guests a feeling of luxury. With a diverse menu ranging from Italian to Lebanese dishes, Carpe Diem already has a 50% repeat customer base – both locals and foreigners.

What is the overall economic situation in Phuket? The tourism situation has improved noticeably since 2023, which also raises the island's gross domestic product above the national level The Standard. Tourism revenue could rise to around 500 billion baht in 2024 - a growth of almost 20% compared to 2023. With foreign tourists spending an average of around 47,000 baht per stay, an increase of 26% compared to 2019.

The diversity of tourists is increasing: newer markets such as India, Kazakhstan and the Middle East countries are conquering Phuket. In June 2025 alone, the island recorded over 1.7 million tourists, whose spending boosted the local economy by a whopping 35.5 billion baht. This is also reflected in the increasing number of restaurants and cafes in Phuket Old Town, where tourists are spending more and more time.

However, Phuket remains faced with some challenges. Infrastructure needs to be improved, particularly in terms of water supply and waste management. In addition, there is the tendering of ESG requirements to comply with new EU regulations. The balance between tourism growth and nature conservation is a hotly debated topic. To avoid overcrowding, development of neighboring areas such as Phang Nga and Krabi is encouraged.

To further increase the numbers, the number of direct flights, especially from South Korea, will be increased by 200%, which will primarily appeal to family travelers, honeymooners and golf enthusiasts. It is clear that the provincie has the vision to become a world-class tourist destination that combines its cultural wealth with sustainable growth.

Overall, the future looks bright for Phuket. The tireless efforts of the community and entrepreneurs show that Phuket is on track to remain popular not only for its beauty, but also for its exceptional offerings and experiences. How The Phuket Express reports, the island remains an essential destination in the global tourism market.