The chamber’s president, Kongsak Khoopongsakorn, said last week that Phuket saw a recovery in tourism and growth in local businesses last year despite challenges linked to global economic volatility and fast-evolving business trends, reports the Bangkok Post.
There have been new developments in technology, which helped enhance the potential of local entrepreneurs, with cooperation from all sectors, he told the chamber’s general meeting on Friday (Feb 28).
Elected to his second term on Friday, Mr Kongsak said that this year the province continues to push projects to create new investment opportunities and elevate Phuket into a leading economic, trade and tourism hub.
Mr Kongsak emphasised the need to change strategy to cope with global economic slowdowns, rising interest rates and the increase in logistic costs.
The US-China trade conflict has affected the number of Chinese tourists arriving on the island, he said. Mechanisms were needed to help spur tourism from China.
Competition from neighbouring countries and territories, such as Vietnam, South Korea, Taiwan and Indonesia, also pushes Phuket to improve its quality and pricing strategies.
Phuket, he said, is undergoing structural transformations for a digital economy. However, the island still faces infrastructure issues, such as flooding, water shortages, waste management, traffic congestion and pollution.
Another challenge is the quality of labour and education, which is struggling to keep pace with the island’s rapid growth, Mr Kongsak said.