ไทย
Tokyo, Japan – Mr. Anupap Vejvanichsanong, Deputy Chief Executive of the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organization (PPAO), led a delegation comprising representatives from the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organization, the Phuket Tourist Association (PTA), and tourism operators from Phuket to participate in Phuket Roadshow to Japan 2026, held from 22–26 June 2026 in Sapporo, Osaka, and Tokyo.
The roadshow aims to promote Phuket’s tourism potential, strengthen confidence in the Japanese market, and expand business opportunities with Japanese travel trade partners. This marks the Phuket Tourist Association’s first tourism roadshow in Japan in more than a decade, reflecting the importance of the Japanese market to Phuket’s tourism industry and the shared commitment of both the public and private sectors to rebuilding high-quality tourism from Japan.
Japan has long been one of Phuket’s most valued international markets. In the past, Japanese visitors were among Phuket’s leading overseas arrivals, supported by regular direct flights between Japan and Phuket. Although direct scheduled services have not operated for more than fifteen years, Thailand continues to enjoy strong popularity among Japanese travellers, with most visitors currently concentrating on Bangkok and nearby destinations.
Through this roadshow, the Phuket delegation aims to reposition Phuket as a premier destination for Japanese travellers by showcasing the island’s significant tourism development over the past decade. Today, Phuket offers an expanded range of world-class hotels and resorts, new attractions, wellness experiences, marine tourism, sporting events, cultural activities, and diverse lifestyle experiences.
Phuket is also proud to be recognised as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, highlighting the island’s rich culinary heritage and reinforcing its reputation as one of Asia’s leading destinations for food and culture.
The roadshow is supported by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), with valuable support from Mr. Seksan Sripraiwan, Director of the TAT Tokyo Office, and Ms. Mathurot Watanakomen, Director of the TAT Osaka Office. Both offices provided market intelligence, travel trends, and insights into Japanese consumer behaviour, enabling participating tourism businesses from Phuket to better understand the market and develop products and services that align with the evolving needs of Japanese travellers.
Organised in the Table-Top Sales Meeting format, the programme enables tourism businesses from Phuket to meet directly with Japanese travel agencies, tour operators, airline partners, wholesalers, and tourism industry stakeholders.
The roadshow commenced in Sapporo on 22 June 2026, the commercial and tourism hub of Hokkaido, before continuing to Osaka on 24 June, the gateway to the Kansai region, and concluding in Tokyo on 26 June, Japan’s largest outbound travel market and business centre.
Across the three cities, the programme featured destination presentations, tourism product updates, business matching sessions, and networking activities. A total of 675 one-on-one business appointments were successfully conducted between Phuket tourism operators and Japanese travel trade partners, demonstrating strong interest in Phuket and creating valuable opportunities for future collaboration.
More than a sales mission, Phuket Roadshow to Japan 2026 represents the renewal of tourism ties between Phuket and Japan. The initiative seeks to rebuild long-term partnerships, create new business opportunities, and position Phuket once again as a world-class destination for Japanese travellers.
The Phuket Tourist Association believes that the relationships established during this roadshow will serve as a strong foundation for the continued growth of the Japanese market, bringing sustainable economic benefits to Phuket’s tourism industry, local businesses, and the wider community.
