The event was spearheaded by PPAO Deputy Chairman Thiwat Seedokbuab, joined by Ms Omduean Phiwthong, Head of the PPAO’s Tourism Department, and Nawarat Saengpradit, Head of the PPAO’s Sports Department.
Also present was Phuket Tourist Association President Thaneth Tantipiriyakij, together leading a group of Phuket tourism business operators to engage with their Russian counterparts.
The roadshow, organised in collaboration with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Moscow office, aimed to stimulate tourism from Russia’s fourth-largest city, Yekaterinburg.
The Russian market has emerged as Phuket’s top tourist source in 2024, with approximately 130,000 Russian tourists arriving between January and July ‒ a 123% recovery compared to 2023, the PPAO said in their report of the event.
The event saw participation from 23 operators, including hotels, tour companies and tourist attractions from Phuket. More than 65 representatives from Russian tour companies in Yekaterinburg attended to gather information and negotiate business deals.
The roadshow was well-received, with tour companies showing keen interest and actively seeking information to plan their sales for the upcoming season, said the PPAO.
In addition to business negotiations, the event provided updates on Phuket and featured a lucky draw for participating tour company representatives.
“We are confident that next [tourism high] season, the number of Russian tourists will set a new record, surpassing all previous years, generating an economic value of B61.6 billion,” Mr Thiwat said.
“The PPAO is pleased to see the continuous positive recovery of the tourism sector and is ready to support tourism in Phuket Province,” he added.