PHUKET, Thailand – Phuket’s tourism season is getting underway with a busy start, as the cruise ship Navigator of the Seas anchored off Patong Beach on October 31, bringing 3,887 passengers to the island. The arrival brought an early-morning wave of visitors to Patong, where clear skies, sunshine and blue seas replaced several days of heavy rain.
The cruise ship’s arrival offers a welcome lift for local tourism businesses as Phuket enters its high season. Hotels across the island are preparing for increased demand, while restaurants, tour operators, transport providers, shops and other businesses are getting ready to serve returning holidaymakers.
Air travel is also an important part of the seasonal outlook, with flights bringing visitors from Bangkok and international markets into Phuket International Airport. Hotels and tourism operators will be watching booking levels and flight arrivals closely as the island moves into the busier months.
The arrival comes amid preparations by hotels and tourism operators for the peak travel months. Four airlines have introduced or scheduled new direct services to Phuket from London, Zurich, Kuwait City and Minsk during October, giving international visitors more options to reach the island. Virgin Atlantic, Edelweiss Air, Kuwait Airways and Belavia are adding connections from Europe and the Middle East.
Hotels, restaurants, tour companies, shopping outlets, transport services and beach businesses are preparing for increased visitor activity. The cruise passengers also bring immediate business to Patong, with opportunities for local guides, taxis, retailers and restaurants to benefit from shore excursions and visitor spending.
The outlook, however, comes with challenges. Phuket welcomed 10.25 million visitors during the first nine months of 2026, while average hotel occupancy was reported at 58.91%, below the same period last year. Tourism revenue nevertheless approached 400 billion baht, underlining the importance of visitor spending to the island’s economy.
With the rainy season easing and more international flights connecting Phuket to overseas markets, tourism businesses will be looking to turn the start of high season into a stronger period for hotel bookings, visitor arrivals and local earnings. (Photos: MCOT Phuket)
