Phuket has recently seen a significant development in its tourism sector with the commencement of direct flights to and from Astana, Kazakhstan. This new service, operated by Air Astana, has the potential to attract more tourists from Kazakhstan to the beautiful island province.
The first direct flight, KC163 from Astana, landed at Phuket airport on Sunday, marking the beginning of a new era in tourism between the two countries. Suladda Sarutilavan, the director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Europe region, expressed her optimism about the impact of this new service on tourist numbers.
Kazakhstanis are already a significant group of visitors to Thailand, with Russians being the largest group from the central-eastern European region. With direct flights and visa-free entry now available to Kazakhstanis, the TAT hopes to welcome up to 200,000 visitors from Kazakhstan this year.
Phuket has always been a popular destination for tourists from Kazakhstan, along with other Thai provinces like Pattaya, Krabi, and Phang Nga. In fact, from January 1 to October 23, there were already 137,000 arrivals from Kazakhstan, representing a 16% increase from the previous year. On average, each visitor spent around 75,000 baht per trip, making them valuable contributors to the local economy.
The TAT also noted that many of the visitors from Kazakhstan were first-timers, indicating the potential for repeat visits and long-term tourism relationships. With the new direct flights in place, it is expected that more Kazakhstanis will choose Phuket as their holiday destination, further boosting the island’s tourism industry.
The addition of Kazakhstan to the list of countries with direct flights to Phuket opens up new opportunities for both tourists and the local hospitality sector. By providing easier access to this picturesque island, more visitors can experience the beauty and culture of Phuket, contributing to its reputation as a world-class tourist destination.
Overall, the introduction of direct flights from Kazakhstan to Phuket is a positive development for both countries, strengthening their ties and promoting tourism between them. As more Kazakhstanis choose Phuket as their preferred holiday spot, the local economy stands to benefit from increased spending and investment in the tourism sector. With the TAT’s ambitious goal of attracting 200,000 visitors from Kazakhstan this year, the future looks bright for Phuket’s tourism industry.