Central Pattana Plc (CPN), the development arm of Central Group, is set to officially open its latest shopping centre and tourist attraction, Central Phuket, next month.
The development project is an expansion of the existing Central Festival Phuket, which opened in 2004.
Wallaya Chirathivat, deputy chief executive of CPN, said the new Central Phuket, opening Sept 10, will underline the company as a global player and support provincial development policy to elevate Phuket to be one of the most complete travel destinations in the world.
At an investment cost of 20 billion baht, the expansion is adding luxury flagship stores and other attractions to create a world-class experience, complementing Phuket's status as one of the world's premier beach destinations, comparable to the French Riviera, Miami and Hawaii, she said.
Some 10 million foreign tourists visited Phuket last year, while more than 3.8 million Thais travelled to the popular island.
Sitting on 111 rai of land, Central Phuket consists of two buildings and attractions with a total floor area of 400,000 square metres, making it the biggest retail space in Phuket and in the South.
Ms Wallaya said the venue will fulfil the needs of locals and tourists comprehensively, covering free independent travellers, tour groups and Mice (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) in one place.
CPN chief operating officer Pakorn Partanapat said the attractions of the project include Tribhum, a 3D virtual adventure in a fantasy walk-through, which will officially open in October; Tales of Thailand, an indoor market reflecting Thai lifestyles from the four main regions; and Aquaria, Thailand's newest format of aquarium, which will open in January 2019.
Mr Pakorn said CPN is also aware of the importance of environmental sustainability in Phuket, especially the problem of waste, and the company has created full-recycle waste reduction at its properties and communities.