Dhaka, Feb. 11 -- Thailand's top tourism destination, Phuket, is preparing to welcome a surge of visitors during the upcoming Chinese New Year celebrations, with a month-long program of events starting today aimed at boosting early-year tourism and generating over THB 600 million, equivalent to USD 18 million.

Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Phuket Office Director Siriwan Siharat said the province expects an average hotel occupancy rate of 81.87% during the official Chinese New Year period from February 17 to 23.

Key highlights include the "Thailand Biennale, Phuket 2025" international contemporary art festival running until the end of April; the Wat Chalong Fair from February 16 to 22; the 29th Bay Regatta from February 18 to 22; t...