HOW TO SELL PHUKET
PHUKET Maturing
BY PAUL OSWELL Before the 2004 Tsunami, Phuket had something of a reputation as overdeveloped; a somewhat lurid and tacky beach resort given over to seediness rather than sunshine and sand. In the aftermath of the tragedy, the
resort looked to reinvent itself, and while the success of this admirable endeavour could be debated, the fact remains that Phuket is inarguably heading in the right direction. Large five-star resorts, including high-
end international chains, have opened or reopened, family attractions have flourished and the infrastructure of the resorts has markedly improved. Phuket’s international airport is thriving,
and serves an impressive number of domestic and international routes, with over 40 airlines passing through, many of them on the affordable, budget side of things. The airport is around 20 miles from central Phuket, with most of the larger hotels running their own shuttle services to complement the taxi services. The list of recognisable international
hotel chains is ever-growing, and there’s a reassuring spectrum of family- and couple-focussed resorts. Among the established names are Holiday Inn Phuket, Amari Coral Beach Resort, Anantara Phuket Villas, JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa and Radisson Plaza Resort Phuket Panwa Beach Many of these overlook the beaches and the Anadaman Sea. In terms of attractions, Phuket is
relatively well off compared to many Thai resorts, which rely on their temples and local handicraft markets. Nearby is Phuket FantaSea Show
(
phuket-fantasea.com) a theme park- style attraction based on traditional Thai myths and set around a number of spectacular live shows. The state-of-the- art Splash Jungle opened in 2012 as part of the West Sands resort. As well as the usual water slides and kids' activities, the facility houses the National Geographic Dive Centre. The range of attractions has recently
been bolstered by Siam Niramit, which opened at the end of 2011. This is a huge theatre stage production about Thai culture along the lines of Cirque du Soleil (
www.siamniramit.com). For older visitors, or those with an
20 May 2012 •
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interest in more authentic Thai culture, Phuket Old Town is surprisingly rich in sights. The Sino-Portuguese architecture is unique and there are, of course, a number of temples, including the highlights of Wat Chalong and Phuket Temples. Wat Chalong houses the Big Buddha, an impressive 45-metre-high marble statue. Nature, too, plays its part in shaping the
resort. The limestone islands of Phang Nga Bay and the Three Beaches hilltop offer the best views of the region. As most people come for the beaches,
the ones to recommend include lively Patong, family-friendly Kata and smaller gems such as Kata Noi, Laem Singh and Kamala. Most have good facilities and a diverse range of water-sports. Neon-tinged hedonism can still
certainly be found, and more sedate tourists may want to avoid areas such as Bangla Road after dark, but Phuket is slowly maturing, and there’s a renewed sense of sophistication to be found with increasingly little effort.
What’s New The Vijit Resort Phuket, set on the white sands of Friendship Beach in Phuket’s unspoilt Rawai District, offers guests a range of instructional activities like classes in Ashtanga yoga, Thai
boxing, Thai flower arranging and Thai desserts
and snack making. The resort’s 92 luxury villas are set amid tropical trees and fauna overlooking the waters of Chalong Bay. The resort is ideal for honeymooners, couples and families (
www.vijittresort.com).
Centara has re-branded its water park
resort to Centara Grand West Sands Resort & Villas, which looks to provide a safe and friendly setting for family holidays in Thailand (
www.centarahotelsresorts.com). The Regent Phuket Cape Panwa
will open in June 2012. The hotel will overlook one of the more secluded bays in Phuket, and will have 22 pavilions and 48 suites (
www.regenthotels.com). A new activity is the Blue Elephant Cooking School in the old town.
Tourism Talk JOANNA COOKE
Consumer Marketing & PR Manager for Leisure (UK & Ireland)
Tourism Authority of Thailand “Phuket remains one of Thailand's most popular island destinations, particularly for winter sun from November to March. The most exciting development on the island is the improving infrastructure and
facilities for families which is a market we have been placing
greater focus on. “There are also a growing number of
luxury hotels opening that are ideal for romantic holidays, weddings & honeymoons, a market that has proved resilient in the recession. "Phuket is a great base to explore the
rest of the Andaman Sea and we are seeing a growth in tourists wanting more varied experiences so creating multi- centre beach itineraries and combining Phuket with nearby Khao Lak, Khao Sok National Park, Krabi, Koh Lanta, Koh Racha, Koh Yao, Koh Racha and Trang."
From the Front Line VICKY RODFORD
UK Agency Sales Manager, The Adventure Company “We sell Phuket as part of
longer itineraries visiting the West Coast of Thailand. "It’s a great place to end any of our
active itineraries, offering the chance of a relaxing beach break after time spent exploring the temples and jungles further north in the country.”
Clockwise: One of Phuket's alluring beaches; The Vijit Resort Phuket; Katathani Phuket Beach Resort
Selling Tip Thai hotels offer
outstanding value, and
people will likely love the price of even the five star properties
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