Phuket tourism operators are alarmed by the escalating effects of climate change, which manifest as annual flooding and severe weather. Thaneth Tantipiriyakij from the Phuket Tourist Association stressed the need for governmental intervention to improve infrastructure. Despite this, Phuket anticipates strong tourism revenue this year, aided by diverse international markets. Recent hurricanes in the US may temporarily affect travel decisions, but operators remain confident in the island’s tourism appeal.
Tourism operators in Phuket are expressing their concerns regarding the detrimental effects of climate change, which has resulted in increasingly severe weather patterns and flooding in Thailand as well as its tourist source markets. Thaneth Tantipiriyakij, the president of the Phuket Tourist Association, noted that flooding in Phuket has now become an annual occurrence, particularly affecting regions such as Kata, Karon, and Kamala this year. Tragically, landslides resulting from substantial rainfall claimed the lives of foreign visitors several months ago in Kata and Karon. Recently, parts of Kamala were submerged, causing road closures and significant inconvenience. Mr. Thaneth highlighted the lack of governmental initiatives aimed at revamping Phuket’s water management or urban infrastructure, stating, “I still haven’t seen any attempt by the central government to redevelop Phuket’s water management or urban infrastructure.” Despite the anticipated tourism revenue of 500 billion baht this year—significantly surpassing figures from the pre-pandemic era—he underscored that the maintenance of infrastructure is lagging behind the inflow of tourists. Virintra Papakityotsaphat, president of the Tourism Council of Phuket, emphasized the urgent need for the government to enact regulations and enhance infrastructure to effectively manage the unavoidable natural disasters that result from climate change. She advocates for stricter enforcement of regulations against illegal constructions that impair flood drainage and water retention areas. Recent events such as Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton have inflicted havoc, leaving millions without power and resulting in numerous flight cancellations. According to Mrs. Virintra, such occurrences could potentially dissuade tourists from venturing abroad, particularly during peak travel seasons to Thailand. However, she reassured that Phuket’s tourism is unlikely to suffer significantly due to its diverse market base, which includes travelers from Russia, Europe, India, and China. Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, deputy governor for marketing in Europe, the Americas, the Middle East, and Africa at the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), stated that there have been no reports of U.S. tourists stranded in Thailand due to flight cancellations. He mentioned, however, that tourists who had previously booked their travel might postpone their trips until conditions improve. He confidently predicted that recent natural disasters would impact the U.S. market only in the short term, with the TAT still expecting approximately 1 million U.S. visitors this year. The agency remains focused on marketing Thailand as a prime destination for eco-friendly and low-carbon tourism, reflecting a commitment to sustainable travel practices.
The article discusses the concerns of Phuket tourism operators regarding the impacts of climate change on the region’s economy and infrastructure. Flooding and severe weather events have become commonplace in Thailand, particularly on the island of Phuket, raising alarm among local leaders about the potential effects on tourism and the lack of adequate governmental response. As Phuket anticipates strong tourism revenue this year, the need for improved infrastructure to support the growing number of visitors presents a challenging dilemma. Additionally, the article touches upon the broader impacts of recent hurricanes in the US and their potential repercussions on international tourist travel.
In conclusion, tourism operators in Phuket are grappling with the realities of climate change, which poses significant risks to the region’s infrastructure and tourism economy. Despite expectations for robust tourism revenue this year, local leaders call for a more proactive approach from the government in enhancing infrastructure and managing the effects of natural disasters. As Phuket continues to attract visitors from diverse international markets, the emphasis on promoting sustainable tourism practices becomes increasingly pertinent.
Original Source: www.bangkokpost.com
