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The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Phuket Office predicts a vibrant and financially prosperous New Year season in 2026, with a rise in international arrivals and over a billion baht expected to circulate during the holiday period.
According to Siriwan Siharach, director of TAT Phuket, the region is set for a strong recovery and expansion in tourism from December 31 to January 4, fueled by a surge in international flights and a variety of cultural events and festivities.
A significant contributor to this positive outlook has been the introduction of direct flights from Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) between October and December. Airlines such as Centrum Air (Uzbekistan), Air France (France), and Norse Atlantic Airways (Sweden and Norway) have commenced services to Phuket, boosting long-haul market access.
Additionally, the ongoing Thailand Biennale Phuket 2025 art exhibition, which continues until April 30, 2026, has elevated Phuket’s international profile. The exhibition features installations at multiple venues including 4Kor Art Land, Sala Youngwon, Gulf of Thailand Artists Pavilion, and Ctrl+R Collective at Nai Harn Beach, positioning Phuket as a prominent center for contemporary art and culture.