Make flights from Bangkok to Phuket more affordable, says tourism chief
Though foreign tourists are returning to Thailand, many local travellers are thinking twice before taking flights from Bangkok to places like Phuket.
Bhummikitti Ruktaengam, advisory chairman of the Phuket Tourist Association, said recently that many domestic flights were becoming unaffordable for travellers.
He said that though he sympathises with airlines, he also wants them to understand that cooperation is required for all sides to survive. He added that domestic airlines should make adjustments to fares despite higher fuel prices because the tourism industry needs a hand in recovery.
Bhummikitti also voiced concerns about small and medium-sized businesses suffering from a lack of funds and workers, as many members of the workforce have not returned to the island province yet.
However, he said, things should start improving soon, not just in terms of hotel bookings, but also in other services like infrastructure.
The association chief also said that more Russian tourists are landing in Phuket now that direct flights have resumed.
Russians topped the list of tourists to Phuket before the pandemic after Chineses.
He added that some 300,000 Indian nationals and 100,000 Australians are expected to land on the island, in addition to Europeans.
He said more arrivals from nearby countries Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Vietnam and Mongolia should bump the number of arrivals to pre-pandemic levels.
Bhummikitti also said that occupancy in beachside hotels is fast picking up, while bookings in other hotels are stable.
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