Phuket feels impact of US-China trade war as popular Thai resort struggles amid fewer mainland tourists, stronger baht
- The US-China trade war is making Chinese reluctant to take holidays, while the Thai baht has risen around 10 per cent against the yuan this year
- Thailand expects 2 million Indian tourists this year, after an increase of nearly 25 per cent year on year in the first seven months
Hotels on Thailand’s most popular holiday island have been forced to slash prices with rooms left vacant and beaches sparse as tourist chiefs struggle with a plunge in Chinese visitors caused by the US trade war and a stronger baht.
Located on the Andaman Sea and known for its beaches and nightlife, sun-drenched Phuket was the most visited destination in the country last year after Bangkok and a good gauge of the state of its crucial travel industry.
Tourism accounts for 18 per cent of Thailand’s gross domestic product and Chinese holidaymakers make up more than a quarter of total arrivals.
But while 2.2 million people from the country visited in 2018, according to official figures, numbers for January-September were down almost a fifth year on year.
Claude de Crissey, honorary consul of France in Phuket and owner of about 40 rooms in the popular Patong Beach area, said Chinese tourists are usually present even during the current low season.