Thailand’s Central Pattana has formally opened its new US$660 million Central Phuket luxury flagship mall.

Central Phuket mall consists of two buildings. The Floresta focuses on tourists and customers who prefer a luxurious lifestyle, who enjoy shopping leading brands and visiting world-class attractions.

The second building, Festival, aims to attract family-groups who regularly visit the shopping centre to shop, dine and watch movies.

An international and regional convention centre and a world-class hotel will follow in the future.

Wallaya Chirathivat, deputy CEO of Central Pattana, says the opening marks the establishment of a new CBD “in the heart of the biggest and beautiful island in Thailand”.

“Visiting Central Phuket will fulfil all types of lifestyles: eat, shop and have fun throughout the day,” she said.

“Central Phuket helps to emphasise [Central Pattana] as a global player and it is in line with the provincial development policy to elevate Phuket to be one of the most complete travel destinations in the world.”

As part of a plan to establish itself as a landmark, Central Phuket will host international events, such as the Phuket International Music Festival and Phuket International Countdown 2019.

The centre is also home to Tales of Thailand, a giant indoor market featuring Thai lifestyle products from four regions; Tribhum, a 3D virtual adventure in the world’s first ‘fantasy walkthrough’, which will open in November; and Aquaria, a new aquarium format, which will host more than 25,000 creatures, scheduled to open during the first quarter of next year.