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Phuket is already Thailand’s most popular island destination. Soon, it could be giving Bangkok a run for its money as the top tourist draw in the entire country. At least among Australians.
Last month, Pacific Blue launched direct service from Perth. On Dec. 3, V Australia joined the act, with non-stop flights from Melbourne. Next week, Jetstar puts on two more services per week from Sydney, bringing the carrier’s total number of services per week to five during the busy December and January period.
“Phuket is a perennial favorite among Aussies as an international holiday destination,” said Simon Westaway, Jetstar’s Head of Corporate Relations. “The people are gracious and friendly, the food is reasonably priced, the accommodations are wide ranging and, of course, the beaches are second to none. Adding an additional Saturday and Sunday service makes it all the more accessible.”
Jetstar isn’t stopping with Sydney, either. From Dec. 15, Jetstar Asia commences a twice-daily service from Singapore – services that will connect through to Jetstar’s existing daily Perth-Singapore service.
Statistics released in October by leading hotel booking website Wotif.com show there’s an abundance of interest in Phuket. Australians are leading the charge. In 2004, the island was far down the list of preferred overseas destinations. Last year, it ranked ninth, ahead of Fiji, Paris, Dublin and Rome.
“I’m not surprised these airlines have commenced direct service to Phuket,” said Craig Fong, director of sales and marketing for Movenpick Resort & Spa Karon Beach Phuket, site of the inaugural Asia Connect Thailand regional hospitality conference last week. “I think they all would’ve started sooner if not for global economic crisis and domestic political issues last year, which carried forward into this year.
“However, the situation is much more stable and you can see demand is returning to pre-crisis levels. With direct service at the ‘right’ price point now too, Phuket is poised to realize big gains.”
Traditionally, Phuket’s hotels have relied on major tour wholesalers for their Australian business. But given the expected influx of travelers from Down Under, even that may change soon. In fact, some properties are already beginning to develop strategies to shift some of the business direct to the property.
“The online channel represents a substantial opportunity moving forward but you can’t underscore enough the resilience and influence of the major wholesalers,” said Fong. “We will continue to work closely with them while concentrating on delivering the best holiday experience we can for each type of guest.”
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
