Stick it up your junta: Russians pile into Phuket
More evidence that the resort island of Phuket has been largely unaffected by the political unrest and military rule that has battered Bangkok.
The number of international tourist arrivals to the resort island grew by 6.9% year-on-year to 962,953 arrivals in the first quarter of 2014.
An increase in direct international flights helped to insulate Phuket from any negative impact of the ongoing political turmoil in the Thai capital, according to CBRE, the international real estate consultant.
The average occupancy of upscale hotels was more than 80% in the first quarter of 2014.
China and Russia were the largest feeder markets, although there was a small decline in Chinese arrivals.
CBRE said the data shows the sensitivity of Asian feeder markets to political unrest in Thailand and the lack of concern from Russian tourists regarding the same.
CBRE cautioned hotel owners that if a property becomes dominated by one nationality, it tends to drive other nationalities away so the potential growth from key feeder markets needs to be handled carefully.
"The best revenue will come from quality, not quantity. Therefore, tourism policy makers, hotel developers and operators need to focus on long-term profitability for the Phuket hotel market," CBRE advised.
Not so fortunate, hotels in Bangkok are experiencing a four year low in bookings, due to the country’s political crisis.
Occupancy averaged 56% in the first four months, as tourists chose alternatives such as Malaysia, reports Bloomberg.
Thailand’s ruling military council has lifted a night-time curfew on Phuket, Pattaya and Koh Samui.
The nationwide curfew was imposed after the army seized power two weeks ago and remains across the rest of the country, including the capital, Bangkok. Locals and tourists must still return to their accommodation between midnight and 0400.
Ian Jarrett
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