For Phuket property owners and investors, the question is not only how many tourists arrive, but who they are, when they come, and how long they stay. A recent trade event in Bangkok may offer clues about one market segment worth watching: visitors from the Gulf.
On 1 October, the Tourism Authority of Thailand connected 40 travel trade representatives from the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia with 80 Thai tourism businesses at the Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit. The event was part of a larger six-day programme running from 27 September to 2 October, which took Middle East operators through Pattaya, Hua Hin and Bangkok to showcase Thailand’s tourism products.
The detail worth noting: Air Arabia now operates 21 weekly flights on each of its Sharjah–Bangkok and Sharjah–Phuket routes. That level of frequency suggests sustained interest from Gulf visitors, particularly during Thailand’s low season when regional summer holidays in the Middle East coincide with Thailand’s Green Season from July to September.
Why the timing matters
Thailand’s low season typically sees softer occupancy and weaker rental performance in Phuket. But Gulf visitors travel on a different calendar. Summer holidays in the Middle East fall during Thailand’s monsoon months, creating seasonal demand when European and Chinese arrivals slow.
According to TAT data, Middle East arrivals to Thailand from 1 July to 20 September 2026 reached 321,304, up 11.82% over the same period in 2025. For the full January to September period, arrivals totalled 531,743, down 11.53% year on year, indicating that while overall numbers declined, summer travel increased.
For Phuket villa owners and rental property operators, this creates a question: can Middle East demand fill some of the gap left by weaker European or Chinese arrivals during traditionally slow months?
What the trade event focused on
The TAT programme was built around what the agency calls “Healing is the New Luxury,” a positioning that combines wellness, nature-based experiences, healthy and halal dining, family-friendly accommodation and culturally attentive service.
Miss Wajanan Silpawornwiwat, Executive Director for the Americas, Middle East and Africa Region at TAT, explained the approach: “We encourage partners to combine wellness and nature, healthy dining and halal cuisine with family-friendly accommodation, and culturally attentive services, while leveraging Thailand’s festivals and events to create more reasons to visit, explore new destinations and return.”
The event included continuous B2B meetings between Middle East travel operators and Thai tourism businesses to discuss products, rates and business opportunities. Participants visited Pattaya, Hua Hin and Bangkok, experiencing resorts, yacht clubs, wellness centres, waterparks, cultural sites and shopping destinations.
The programme was organised through TAT’s Dubai office in partnership with Air Arabia and the Association of Thai Travel Agents. TAT noted that the initiative was designed to maintain trade engagement after the agency decided not to participate in Arabian Travel Market amid regional instability.
The Phuket property angle
For Phuket, the relevance is straightforward: Air Arabia’s 21 weekly flights to the island provide direct access from Sharjah, a hub connecting broader Gulf markets. The frequency suggests tour operators see sustained demand.
Middle East visitors tend to travel in family groups, prefer private villa accommodation over hotel rooms, and stay longer than short-break European tourists. They also prioritise privacy, beach access, halal dining options and culturally appropriate hospitality.
This profile aligns with Phuket’s villa rental market, particularly larger properties in beachfront or hillside locations. Properties that can accommodate extended families and offer privacy, pools and space may be better positioned to attract this segment.
The question for property owners is whether their marketing, booking channels and service offerings reach Middle East tour operators and whether their properties meet the expectations of Gulf visitors. TAT’s focus on wellness, family-friendly facilities and halal cuisine suggests those factors matter.
What remains uncertain
While the data shows growth during Thailand’s Green Season, overall Middle East arrivals for the year remain down. The January to September decline of 11.53% indicates weaker performance earlier in the year, raising questions about whether the summer uptick represents sustained recovery or seasonal adjustment.
TAT’s decision not to attend Arabian Travel Market due to regional instability also suggests ongoing concerns about geopolitical factors that could affect travel patterns.
For Phuket property investors, the key question is not whether Gulf visitors are arriving, but whether the current level of demand justifies adjusting marketing strategy, villa design or service offerings to better serve this market segment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many flights does Air Arabia operate to Phuket?
Air Arabia operates 21 weekly flights on its Sharjah–Phuket route. The airline also operates 21 weekly flights on its Sharjah–Bangkok route, providing direct access from the Gulf to both destinations.
Are Middle East arrivals to Thailand increasing?
From 1 July to 20 September 2026, Middle East arrivals reached 321,304, up 11.82% over the same period in 2025. However, for the full January to September period, arrivals totalled 531,743, down 11.53% year on year. The data shows summer growth but overall decline.
Why does Thailand’s Green Season matter for Gulf visitors?
Thailand’s Green Season from July to September coincides with summer holidays in the Gulf region. This creates seasonal demand during months when European and Chinese arrivals typically slow, potentially helping to balance occupancy for Phuket rental properties.
What are Gulf visitors looking for in Phuket accommodation?
According to TAT’s programme focus, Middle East visitors prioritise family-friendly accommodation, wellness and nature experiences, halal dining options and culturally attentive service. They often travel in family groups and prefer private villa accommodation with privacy, pools and space.
Does this affect Phuket property investment strategy?
The relevance depends on whether property owners are targeting Middle East demand. Sustained flight frequency and summer season growth suggest opportunity, but overall year-on-year decline indicates uncertainty. Property design, marketing reach and service offerings would need to align with Gulf visitor expectations.
Sources
- TAT Newsroom — Amazing Journeys 2026 connects Middle East travel trade with Thai tourism businesses — link
