Phuket is preparing to welcome a surge of visitors during the upcoming Chinese New Year celebrations, with a month-long programme of events beginning today aimed at stimulating early-year tourism and generating more than 600 million baht in revenue.
Siriwan Siharat, director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Phuket Office, said the province is forecasting an average hotel occupancy rate of 81.87% during the Chinese New Year period, which officially runs from Feb 17 to 23. Tourism revenue during the period is expected to exceed 600 million baht.
She said travel demand is being driven by a wide range of cultural and tourism activities taking place across the island throughout the festive season.
Key highlights include the Thailand Biennale, Phuket 2025 international contemporary art festival, which runs until the end of April; the annual Wat Chalong Fair at Wat Chaiyathararam from Feb 16–22; the 29th Bay Regatta sailing race from Feb 18–22; the Phuket Lantern Festival from Feb 11 to March 3; and the Phuket Chinese New Year Festival “Duan Sam Ban Rao” from Feb 22–24 in Phuket Old Town.
Chinese New Year celebrations in Old Town are among Phuket’s flagship events, showcasing the island’s distinctive Chinese-Phuket heritage through cultural performances, traditional ceremonies, shopping and food activities that help create a vibrant festive atmosphere.
To enhance the visitor experience, tourists will be able to enjoy free rides on open-top electric trams throughout February. The service operates daily from 11am to 8pm, with boarding in Dragon Square.
The EV trams offer visitors fresh perspectives on Phuket Town’s Sino-European architecture and major viewpoints, while reinforcing the island’s image as a sustainable tourism destination.
Ms Siriwan said Phuket’s tourism outlook for Chinese New Year remains on a growth trajectory similar to last year. In 2025, Phuket welcomed 14.12 million tourists, generating over 546 billion baht in tourism revenue.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/3194673/phuket-gears-up-for-cny-tourism-surge