Prachuap Khiri Khan [December 27, 2024]: Despite Prachuap tourism seeing a boost in 2024, the overall provincial economy saw a 5% downturn. This was primarily due to declines in agricultural production and rising costs for local businesses. Agricultural income, a crucial sector for the province, saw a sharp drop of 14.2% as market output struggled with unfavorable weather conditions and higher production costs.

However, tourism in Prachuap Khiri Khan performed better, helping to counterbalance the economic downturn. Between January and October 2024, the region attracted 9.53 million visitors, a 5.02% increase from the previous year. In particular, international arrivals surged by nearly 40%, marking a significant growth in global interest for the region. This influx of tourists brought in over 41.6 billion baht in revenue, representing a 17.57% growth year-on-year.
Local authorities are optimistic that the tourism sector can be further developed into a driver of long-term growth. Efforts are underway to diversify tourism offerings, focusing on sustainable and eco-friendly initiatives that can attract high-value visitors while preserving the province’s natural resources. Furthermore, officials are working to improve infrastructure and connectivity, such as the ongoing upgrades at Hua Hin Airport, to make the province more accessible to international tourists.
Despite the agricultural downturn, tourism remains a bright spot in Prachuap Khiri Khan’s economy. The focus on sustainable growth in the tourism sector will help ensure that the province can thrive in the coming years while balancing economic needs with environmental responsibility.
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