Phuket has in the distant past years maintained its position as one of the most affluent provinces in Thailand, owing greatly to the tin mining industry, both inland and offshore, and to the cash crop agriculture, with rubber as a main crop. However, in the more recent past, inland tin mining resources have largely been exhausted and a bright future in this industry cannot be foreseen. The expansion of the agriculture sector in rubber industry also does not offer a bright prospect due to the limited land area of the province. Tourism, which is a relative new industry to Phuket, will therefore provide an important financial diversion from the industrial and agricultural activities in the province. Tourism development of Phuket is considered the most important opportunity for the continued and future prosperity of the province.