The Samui Plus programme has brought in almost 40 million baht in revenue since its launch in the middle of July, says Surat Thani governor Witchawut Jinto.
He said the tourism reopening scheme, which covers Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao, has welcomed 918 visitors including 347 who arrived via the Phuket Sandbox.
Since the launch on July 15, the Samui Plus scheme recorded bookings of 6,329 room nights and brought in more than 37.6 million baht in tourism revenue, he said.
Most arrivals were from European countries and the United States and 92 flights were operated between Suvarnabhumi and Samui airports, according to Mr Witchawut.
The governor said the local tourism industry is expected to pick up in the last quarter and it has reported bookings of 9,195 room nights from 860 visitors until Dec 9.
Of the total, 7,397 room night bookings have been made by 591 visitors under Samui Plus and 1,788 room nights made by 269 tourists under the Phuket Sandbox and 7+7 Extension.
The governor said the Phuket Sandbox and Samui Plus are boosting efforts to revive the battered tourism industry and creating jobs for local people.
