Tourists stroll along Patong beach in Phuket.
The tourism industry has to brace for uncertainties from domestic politics, world conflicts and higher competition next year.
The Phuket Tourist Association said high competition will make it difficult for Thailand.
Some Scandinavian groups — one of the established markets of Phuket for decades — have shifted to Bali during the winter.
Looking ahead to next year, the association said there are still domestic factors, such as concerns about political tension as the general election is expected to take place in 2023.
Moreover, surging energy prices and the Russia-Ukraine conflict are also affecting tourism spending.
The mass demonstrations against Covid-19 curbs in China will make travel restrictions more unpredictable as nobody can guess how Beijing will react to this situation.
At present, there are very few direct flights to Phuket operated by Thai Airways, despite other international airlines continuing to increase flights.
The Thai Spa Association said the flow of tourists hasn’t resumed to the normal level, while tensions from the recession and geopolitics will continue to affect tourism until next year.
