Phuket tourism operators express growing concerns regarding climate change’s impacts, including severe flooding and weather events. Leaders like Thaneth Tantipiriyakij and Virintra Papakityotsaphat emphasize the need for improved infrastructure and regulatory measures to address these challenges while maintaining confidence in tourism revenue growth this year. Despite concerns of natural disasters affecting travel decisions, Phuket’s diverse tourist markets provide resilience.
Tourism operators in Phuket are increasingly becoming concerned about the repercussions of climate change, which has led to increased incidences of severe weather and flooding in Thailand and its tourist source markets. Thaneth Tantipiriyakij, the president of the Phuket Tourist Association, highlighted that flooding in Phuket is now a recurring issue, particularly affecting areas such as Kata, Karon, and Kamala. He noted that a few months ago, landslides prompted by heavy rains resulted in fatalities among foreign visitors in Kata and Karon, with recent flooding also submerging parts of Kamala’s roadways. Despite the possibility that such events may not majorly deter tourists from visiting Phuket, they do create significant inconveniences such as extensive traffic jams. Mr. Thaneth expressed his frustration, stating, “I still haven’t seen any attempt by the central government to redevelop Phuket’s water management or urban infrastructure.” Phuket anticipates generating 500 billion baht in tourism revenue this year, surpassing figures from the pre-pandemic era. However, Mr. Thaneth pointed out that the maintenance of infrastructure has struggled to keep up with the increase in tourist arrivals. Virintra Papakityotsaphat, president of the Tourism Council of Phuket, underscored the vital threat posed by natural disasters linked to climate change to the tourism sector. She stressed that given the inevitability of such events, government interventions should focus on regulatory measures and infrastructure preparations to mitigate their impact. This includes stricter management of illegal construction in flood-prone zones and areas critical for water retention. Recent natural disasters, such as Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton, which resulted in significant flight cancellations and left many without power in Florida, further amplify concerns. Mrs. Virintra indicated the potential risk of these disasters dissuading tourists from international travel, particularly during peak seasons for long-haul flights to Thailand. Nevertheless, she remained optimistic that these challenges would not substantially undermine Phuket’s tourism, citing the diverse markets from which the island draws visitors, including Russia, Europe, India, and China. Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, the deputy governor for marketing across Europe, the Americas, the Middle East, and Africa at the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), indicated that there have been no reports of American tourists becoming stranded in Thailand due to flight disruptions. Some travelers might postpone their plans if they are unable to travel as scheduled, he noted, but he expressed confidence in a rebound from the recent natural disasters and predicted that the US market would only be temporarily affected. The TAT remains hopeful of welcoming at least one million American visitors this year while enhancing its focus on promoting Thailand as a leading destination for eco-friendly, low-carbon tourism.
The ongoing concerns regarding climate change have ignited serious apprehensions among tourism operators in Phuket, a prominent tourist destination in Thailand. The impact of climate change has manifested in increasingly frequent and severe weather events, including storms and flooding, which jeopardize the tourism sector. The insights from local tourism leaders reflect a recognition of the need for improved infrastructure and regulatory measures to address these challenges, particularly in a region where tourism significantly contributes to the economy.
In summary, Phuket’s tourism operators face mounting concerns regarding the effects of climate change, particularly with the rising occurrence of floods and severe weather events. Despite projections for strong tourism revenue growth, infrastructure challenges and the need for government intervention remain pressing issues. Stakeholders in the tourism sector emphasize the importance of regulatory reforms and infrastructure readiness to safeguard against natural disasters, while also acknowledging diverse international markets that could sustain tourism resilience. The commitment from organizations like the TAT to promote eco-friendly tourism highlights a proactive approach to addressing the broader implications of climate change.
Original Source: www.bangkokpost.com
