The atmosphere at Ao Makham Customs Wharf in Wichit Sub-district, Mueang Phuket District was abuzz as Mr. Nachapong Pranit, the Director of the Regional Harbor Office, Phuket Branch, accompanied by his staff, arrived to facilitate the docking of a magnificent cruise ship, the Tender, arriving from Langkawi, Malaysia. This remarkable vessel brought with it a group of more than 2,000 eager tourists who were excited to explore the wonders of Phuket.
Mr. Nachapong Pranit expressed his satisfaction with the increasing trend of cruise ships arriving in Phuket since the country’s reopening after the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. The first cruise ship arrived last October, and since then, the numbers have steadily risen. Today, tourists from these large cruise ships anchor at Patong Bay and the Ao Makham deep-sea port. From October 2022 to the present, Phuket has warmly welcomed over 160,000 visitors. These arrivals have not only injected significant revenue into Phuket’s tourism industry but also symbolize the revived confidence in Phuket as a vibrant tourist destination.
The fact that the navigation routes of cruise ships, including large ones, are increasingly directed towards Phuket is considered an auspicious indication. It signifies the regained trust and enthusiasm for Phuket’s tourism, which has once again become a bustling hub for travelers from around the world. The continuous influx of cruise ships serves as a testament to the island’s allure and its ability to captivate visitors with its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and world-class hospitality.
Phuket, known as the Pearl of the Andaman Sea, is poised to thrive as a prominent tourist destination. The arrival of the Tender cruise ship and its enthusiastic passengers serves as a reminder of the resurgent tourism industry, and Phuket eagerly awaits the opportunity to showcase its vibrant attractions to its valued visitors.
