In what will be surprising news for many in the property, real estate and tourism industry in Phuket, the island has been ranked in a list of Top Ten destinations that Americans look set to explore in bigger numbers next year.
As 2016 rapidly approaches, travel website Hotels.com has revealed its Top 10 Travel Predictions for the new year through an analysis of travel demand changes over the last two years* on the website.
Phuket, the only Asian destination to appear and one of only three outside North America to appear on the Top Ten List, was ranked in eighth place.
“For 2016 we’re foreseeing an interesting mix of trending and often overlooked destinations with something for every type of traveler no matter your budget, climate preference, preferred language or lifestyle,” said Josh Belkin, VP and General Manager, North America for Hotels.com.
The survey note that Phuket will become a Top 40 International Destination in 2016.
It said that Thailand’s tourism council is expecting a record 30 million visitors this year but it’s not just Bangkok that is attracting travelers. Phuket, the country’s largest island, has experienced significant increase in travel demand (more than 70 percent versus 2014).
The question for many property professionals will be where to look next for their customers. Many would have focused their attentions to China and the east but this survey might cause them to look in the totally opposite direction.
