Phuket, Thailand, experienced a notable increase in tourism during the 2026 Lunar New Year as Chinese travelers extended their stays due to disruptions in routes to Japan. The holiday period from February 15 to 23 encouraged longer visits, boosting local revenue. This shift highlights Phuket's growing appeal as an alternative destination.
During the 2026 Lunar New Year, Phuket saw a significant uptick in Chinese tourists opting for extended stays, primarily because of reduced flights to Japan amid tensions between China and Japan. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Phuket office noted that this trend was evident from February 15 to 23, a longer holiday window than usual, allowing visitors to enjoy more relaxed vacations rather than brief trips.
Typically, short-haul travelers from China favor quick getaways of three to four nights, but the disruptions redirected many to nearby Thailand. Phuket's diverse attractions, including beaches, shopping, and sightseeing, particularly suited families and groups. This change led to higher spending on dining, transportation, and accommodations, easing operational pressures for hotels by reducing frequent turnovers.
TAT Phuket estimates that the Lunar New Year period generated around 600 million baht in revenue. For context, the province welcomed 14.1 million visitors in 2025, producing 546 billion baht overall, with top foreign markets being Russia, India, China, Australia, and the UK. While domestic Thai tourists drove much of the holiday spending, foreign demand remained strong.
Flight connectivity played a key role, with expansions like the new direct service from Singapore to Phuket by Thai Lion Air facilitating easier access for short-haul travelers. Looking ahead, Phuket's 2026 tourism is expected to benefit from robust long-haul demand from Russia, the UK, and Germany, which has exceeded pre-COVID levels by over 40%. Major events such as the Global Sustainable Tourism Council conference, Enterpride activities, and the Electric Daisy Carnival will further boost occupancy.
For businesses, longer stays require adjustments in staffing and services to cater to both Thai and international visitors. Travelers are advised to book accommodations in advance for the peak period, or consider shoulder days for less crowded experiences.
