ไทย
Phuket – On December 8, 2024, the ‘38th Patong Beach Tourism Festival’ (Phuket Carnival at Patong 2024) was inaugurated under the theme “Phuket: Memories of a Lifetime”. The event, organized by the Patong Municipality, aims to position Phuket as a city of happiness and fun, welcoming tourists from across the globe.
The opening ceremony was presided over by Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labor, with a welcome address by Mr. Sophon Suwannarat, Governor of Phuket, and a report presented by Ms. Lalita Maneesri, Deputy Mayor of Patong Municipality. The event saw attendance from municipal executives, government officials, locals, and tourists.
Governor Sophon highlighted Phuket’s robust tourism economy, reporting an estimated 400 billion baht in revenue in 2023, comparable to pre-COVID levels in 2019. He expressed optimism that tourism revenue in 2025 could reach 450 billion baht, driven by high-quality tourists who spend more despite lower overall numbers. He emphasized the festival’s role in showcasing Phuket’s readiness to welcome visitors and encouraging them to return for future visits.
Minister Phiphat affirmed the government’s commitment to promoting diverse forms of tourism and recognized Phuket’s potential as a leading destination. He stressed the Ministry of Labor’s focus on developing the tourism workforce to prevent shortages and support related industries. The goal is to ensure a sustainable tourism market with skilled personnel catering to the sector’s evolving needs.
The ‘Phuket Carnival at Patong 2024’ runs from December 8 to 10 at Bangla Square, Patong Beach, starting at 10:00 AM daily. Highlights include numerous food and retail stalls, live performances, and a grand parade featuring over 2,000 participants from local businesses, delivering spectacular displays of beauty and joy. This vibrant festival marks the official start of Phuket’s tourism season and reinforces its image as a premier global destination.
News/Photos: Phuket Provincial Public Relation Office