Tourism Back On Track In Phuket

[B-BOY]

Tourism back on track in Phuket

Sirima Eamtako, Bangkok (2007-09-19)

TOURISM business is almost back to normal in Phuket within just three days after the tragic One-Two-Go air crash on Sunday.

Tourism Authority of Thailand Phuket office director, Ms Suwalai Pinpradab, said the only cancellations recorded were from about 20 to 30 honeymoon couples from South Korea, who aborted their incoming flight to Phuket on Monday as it was then unclear when the airport would be re-opened.

"I have not heard of any cancellations from any tour operators since then and I don't foresee any more cancellation. It's now business as usual in Phuket. People understand that what happened was a mere accident, caused by the foul weather. They have also witnessed and heard of the harmonious and tireless efforts put on by the Thai government and private sector. Rescues have been fast."

Ms Suwalai said looking forward to the last quarter of this year, there would continue to be an influx of tourists to Phuket, Phang-nga and Krabi. All scheduled and chartered flights planned for the three Andaman coastal provinces during the winter timetable would remain unchanged.

More than 2,000 charter flights are expected to operate into Phuket International Airport from October 2007 until March 2008. The airport resumed operations Monday early evening, after a day's closure.

Forward hotel bookings likewise remain strong. Phuket Tourist Association (PTA) reports more than 95 per cent in forward bookings for around 35,000 hotel rooms available in Phuket - some 85 per cent of all bookings come from Europe while the rest come from Asia, Middle East and the US. PTA president, Mr Maitree Narukatpichai, said some markets such as South Korea, Japan and Russia needed more rooms, but occupancy was tight. He said they might have to seek rooms in Phang-nga or Krabi.

He added room rates had gone up by 10 per cent, with a room night at an international five-star hotel costing about 7,000 baht (US$220), a local five- and four-star about 5,000 or 4,000 baht and a three-star about 3,000 baht.

One-Two-Go has activated eight hotlines numbers and one Phuket Co-ordination Centre number and has listed the names of 42 survivors on its website www.fly12go.com.

According to Thailand's Department of Civil Aviation, Mr Chaisak Angkhasuwan, the airline has two insurance polities with UK-based Penloyd. The US$300 million policy covers passengers for death, medical expenses and transport after accident. Another US$5-million policy covers damages on the aircraft and its passengers.

source=ttg daily news

[Mid]

said the only cancellations recorded were from about 20 to 30 honeymoon couples from South Korea,

I can think of about nintey more straight up .........................................

[taxexile]

It's now business as usual in Phuket. People understand that what happened was a mere accident, caused by the foul weather. They have also witnessed and heard of the harmonious and tireless efforts put on by the Thai government and private sector. Rescues have been fast."

aaahhhhhhh , bless. welcome to planet phuket !

[Bkkboet]

Most of the tourists arriving now would have booked before the crash and be commited to the trip. Any fallout will be seen with people who are planning a trip in the future...

[thaigerd]

.....and "Zoom Airlines" will start operating flights from/to Phuket.

Canadian company but flights from/to England.

Any experience with that carrier?

Gerd

[peter991]

Zoom Airlines: Definitely not recommended by the majority of people who commented on their service. Late arrivals, flight delays, lousy food, poor in-flight entertainment ...

Peter

[Mid]

Tourism back on track in Phuket

Sirima Eamtako, Bangkok (2007-09-19)

TOURISM business is almost back to normal in Phuket within just three days after the tragic One-Two-Go air crash on Sunday.

Tourism Authority of Thailand Phuket office director, Ms Suwalai Pinpradab, said the only cancellations recorded were from about 20 to 30 honeymoon couples from South Korea, who aborted their incoming flight to Phuket on Monday as it was then unclear when the airport would be re-opened.

"I have not heard of any cancellations from any tour operators since then and I don't foresee any more cancellation. It's now business as usual in Phuket. People understand that what happened was a mere accident, caused by the foul weather. They have also witnessed and heard of the harmonious and tireless efforts put on by the Thai government and private sector. Rescues have been fast."

Ms Suwalai said looking forward to the last quarter of this year, there would continue to be an influx of tourists to Phuket, Phang-nga and Krabi. All scheduled and chartered flights planned for the three Andaman coastal provinces during the winter timetable would remain unchanged.

More than 2,000 charter flights are expected to operate into Phuket International Airport from October 2007 until March 2008. The airport resumed operations Monday early evening, after a day's closure.

Forward hotel bookings likewise remain strong. Phuket Tourist Association (PTA) reports more than 95 per cent in forward bookings for around 35,000 hotel rooms available in Phuket - some 85 per cent of all bookings come from Europe while the rest come from Asia, Middle East and the US. PTA president, Mr Maitree Narukatpichai, said some markets such as South Korea, Japan and Russia needed more rooms, but occupancy was tight. He said they might have to seek rooms in Phang-nga or Krabi.

He added room rates had gone up by 10 per cent, with a room night at an international five-star hotel costing about 7,000 baht (US$220), a local five- and four-star about 5,000 or 4,000 baht and a three-star about 3,000 baht.

One-Two-Go has activated eight hotlines numbers and one Phuket Co-ordination Centre number and has listed the names of 42 survivors on its website www.fly12go.com.

According to Thailand's Department of Civil Aviation, Mr Chaisak Angkhasuwan, the airline has two insurance polities with UK-based Penloyd. The US$300 million policy covers passengers for death, medical expenses and transport after accident. Another US$5-million policy covers damages on the aircraft and its passengers.

source=ttg daily news

Ms Suwalai would be well advised to keep her yap shut ...............................

Burns hel_l of hol jet crash girl

From NEIL SYSON

in Phuket, Thailand

September 20, 2007

THAI air crash survivor Bethan Jones was still fighting for life with 50 per cent burns last night.

Bethan, 22, has remained unconscious since Sunday’s horror on holiday island Phuket.

She is unaware boyfriend Alex Collins, 22, died in the jet fireball that killed 89 people, including nine Brits.

The couple were just days into a six-month backpacking trip.

Bethan, of Porth, South Wales, was airlifted to Bangkok and put on a life support machine.

Her brother Dewi, 24, flew with dad Steven, 53, to Thailand to be at her bedside. Dewi said last night: “She’s unconscious and suffered 50 per cent burns but she is alive, she is alive.”

thesun.co.uk

[smartecosse]

truth doesnt get in the way of drumming up more business for the tourist industry