Phuket resort upbeat, despite contracting economy in first nine months

[Nicke]

PHUKET, Dec 5 (TNA) – Despite plunging taxes and tourism revenues, a practical provincial administration remains upbeat about Phuket's future.The economy of this world-renowned tourist resort contracted during the first nine months of 2005 due to the extended plunge in tourism, according to figures released today by Governor Udomsak Asavarangkura.
The news was not unexpected, suggested the governor. The shortfalls were so evident as to not require expert analysis.
In the aftermath of the tsunami, Phuket received only 479,174 visitors, down 52 per cent compared to arrival figures from the same period last year. In consequence, the local economy, heavily dependent on tourism-related activities contracted palpably, he said, plain for all to see.

During the first nine months of this year, the local administration managed to collect Bt 3.39 million in tax revenue, the governor said, less than expenditures of Bt 3.82 million.

However, golf tourism along with yachting and cruise holidays have shown promising signs to offset the loss from traditional tourism, said the governor, adding that the property market of Phuket remains lively. (TNA)

[LivinLOS]

3.39 million baht.. thats nuts..

With % paid on property sales one large block of land would incur those kind of taxes... Doesnt seem right to me..

[Hobbsy]

must be billion surely?!

[Benjy]

Sure they are not just talking about hotel tax?

[K2]

According to BoT website:

http://www.bot.or.th/bothomepage/dat...dex_stat_e.htm

Tax reciepts for South for Aug 05 were B 2236.5 mio (latest availble) compaired to Aug 04 at B 2265.8 mio - so this implies a mere drop of 1.29% in tax reciepts year over year. All things considered not a big deal.

[TV Channel 11]

For a flavour of the tourism situation on the ground here you may like to see reports and interviews broadcast nationwide with recent minivideos at http://www.thaisnews.com/vdoclips_list.php

especially those in bold:
Special Report - Tourism prospects for Andaman region & country
Interview - Simon Barnes, the Chairman of the Race Committee for the Phuket King's Cup Regatta
Young Reporter - Michelle at Rawai Beach
Special report - Phuket International Airport's operation and its passenger & flight figures
Interview - chat with Jutimas Siriwan, the Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand
Young Reporter - at Boat Lagoon Marina
Special report - party participants of King's Cup Regatta
Interview - Andy Dowden, Director of Image Asia Events, the organizers of the 3rd Phuket International Marine Expo or PIMEX
Young Reporter - at Cape Promthep Phuket
Special report - 12th Laguna Phuket Triathlon participants
Interview - Gulu Lalvani, the Owner & Developer of the Royal Phuket Marina