Phuket tourism operators express profound concerns over climate change impacts, such as annual flooding and severe weather conditions, affecting both infrastructure and tourist experience. Industry leaders urge government action on infrastructure planning and disaster preparedness while maintaining confidence in diverse tourist markets despite recent natural disasters.
The tourism sector in Phuket faces mounting concerns regarding the adverse effects of climate change, notably reflected in frequent extreme weather conditions and resulting flooding. Thaneth Tantipiriyakij, the president of the Phuket Tourist Association, highlighted that certain regions, such as Kata, Karon, and Kamala, experience annual flooding, severely impacting local areas. Previously, landslides in Kata and Karon claimed lives, including those of foreign visitors. Recently, portions of Kamala’s roads were submerged due to heavy rainfall. Although these incidents may not deter tourists their visit to Phuket, they contribute to significant disruptions and traffic delays. Mr. Thaneth noted a lack of interventions by the central government regarding the revitalization of Phuket’s water management and urban infrastructure. The resort island anticipates earning 500 billion baht in tourism revenue this year, surpassing figures from the pre-pandemic era. However, the upkeep of essential infrastructure struggles to keep pace with the increasing number of tourists. Virintra Papakityotsaphat, president of the Tourism Council of Phuket, underscored the urgency of addressing natural disasters linked to climate change as a pivotal threat to the tourism landscape. She emphasized the need for the government to implement robust regulatory measures and enhance infrastructure preparedness to manage such crises effectively. This would entail enforcing regulations against illegal constructions in areas prone to floods or that obstruct water retention designs. Recent hurricanes such as Helene and Milton have raised additional concerns, with the latter causing widespread power outages in Florida and leading to flight cancellations. According to Mrs. Virintra, incidents of this nature could dissuade tourists from traveling during peak holiday seasons. However, she remains optimistic, stating that Phuket has diversified tourist markets, including interests from Russia, Europe, India, and China. Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, deputy governor for marketing targeting Europe, the Americas, the Middle East, and Africa at the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), reported no instances of U.S. citizens being stranded due to flight disruptions; nonetheless, some travelers may postpone their trips. He projected that the impact of recent natural disasters would be transient, maintaining confidence in attracting over one million visitors from the U.S. this year. The TAT is actively promoting Thailand as a prime destination for eco-friendly and sustainable tourism, adapting to the evolving travel landscape.
The discussion surrounding Phuket’s tourism industry highlights the critical threats posed by climate change, particularly through extreme weather patterns and natural disasters. With the region witnessing annual flooding and other severe weather events, tourism operators are increasingly concerned about the potential implications these phenomena have on visitor numbers and overall tourist satisfaction. The economic contributions of tourism to the local economy are substantial, warranting urgent attention to infrastructural resilience and disaster preparedness.
In summary, Phuket’s tourism industry grapples with significant challenges arising from climate change and extreme weather, necessitating robust infrastructural strategies and regulatory frameworks. Stakeholders express concerns regarding the implications of these environmental factors on tourist experiences and economic forecasts while maintaining optimism for the island’s diverse international markets. Continuous promotion of sustainable tourism practices may further bolster Phuket’s resilience against climate disruptions.
Original Source: www.bangkokpost.com
