Tourism in Thailand in 2023

Thailand is a historically attractive destination for tourists from all over the world. Following the COVID crisis, several measures have been put in place to revive the tourism sector, starting with the “Phuket Sandbox”, attracting over 14,000 visitors in the first month of its launch in July 2021.

Today in 2023, tourist activity in Thailand has largely recovered, particularly in the most attractive destinations such as Phuket and Bangkok. From January to July 2023, over 15 million tourists visited Thailand.

Monthly tourist arrivals in Thailand from July 2022 to June 2023

Tourism in Phuket: Thailand’s 1st destination

World-famous for its heavenly beaches, turquoise waters and lush jungles, Phuket’s reputation is well established. As a pioneering destination for returning tourists, the island is a major contributor to Thailand’s 2023 tourism figures.

By 2023, tourist arrivals will be 80% up on 2019

Before COVID in 2019, Phuket welcomed 700,000 to 800,000 people a month, for a total of 14 million visitors.

For 2023, Rangsiman Kingkaew, deputy chairman of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), has announced tourist arrivals equivalent to 80% of those in 2019. Since the beginning of the year, Phuket has welcomed between 500,000 and 600,000 tourists every month (source: Bangkok Post).

By the end of 2023, the number of tourist arrivals in Phuket should exceed 2019 figures

For 2023, the Phuket Tourism Authority anticipates arrivals of over 14 million, more than half of Thailand’s total 25 million visitors (source: Bangkok Post).

Objective: transition to responsible tourism

This renewed strength in Phuket’s tourism sector bears witness not only to the island’s continuing appeal, but also to tourists’ desire to start traveling again after a 3-year hiatus. However, an important issue for Phuket is not to tarnish its image with too much mass tourism. The Thai government is already implementing measures to promote responsible tourism, such as closing certain beaches to protect flora and fauna, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and raising awareness among tourists and locals of the need to preserve nature and local culture.

Thailand is also seeking to attract a wealthy public with high purchasing power by promoting special visas such as the Elite Visa, valid from 5 to 20 years and requiring a minimum deposit of THB 600,000 (approx. €15,000).

In real estate, the potential of high-end residences

In terms of real estate, these measures will benefit high-end hotels and residences, which are able to meet the expectations of a wealthy, environmentally conscious public looking for a personalized experience, far removed from mass tourism. For this reason, to invest in Phuket, it is preferable to choose areas close to the most private beaches such as Kamala, Naithon, Bangtao… and close to 5-star hotels and amenities, which have great potential for this type of clientele.

Discover a luxury residence on Naithon beach that meets the needs of high-end tourism, with freehold apartments scheduled for delivery at the end of the year. Also discover opportunities on Kamala beach with a 5-star residence that has flexible options for investors who wish to live part of the year in their apartment.