The Songkran festival in Phuket made more than 3 billion baht in revenue from tourist spending, says the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).
Nanthasiri: Hotel rooms near popular sites 'fully booked'
Nanthasiri Ronnasiri, director of the TAT Phuket Office, yesterday said Phuket has about 70,000 hotel rooms available, accounting for 70% of all local hotels opened for business.
Between Wednesday and Friday, most hotel rooms were fully booked for the first two nights, particularly in popular tourist sites such as Patong, Kamala, Surin, Kata and Karon beaches.
During the period, the province recorded 188,245 domestic and international visitors who spent a combined total of 3.24 billion baht, Ms Nanthasiri said.
Phuket airport director Monchai Tanode said more than 800 domestic and international flights took off and landed between Monday and Sunday.
Natchapong Pranit, director of the Regional Marine Office's Phuket Branch, said up to 10,000 tourists had visited the island by boat and ferry each day.
Officers at the island's 22 piers were instructed to ensure Covid-19 safety measures were adhered to, including passenger number restrictions, alcohol consumption controls and boat inspections, he said.
In Surat Thani, Tawich Somwang, Hat Rin Business Association president, said the Songkran festival and last night's full moon party were expected to make about 2 billion baht in revenue for businesses on Phangan island. He said about 10,000 tourists were expected to attend the full moon party.