TAT in Offensive to Lure Tourists Back to Phuket

PHUKET: -- The Pearl of Andaman, Thailand's tourism magnet before the Indian Ocean Tsunami struck on 26 December 2004, is suffering record-low tourist arrival traffic, according to statistics released by the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

From the usual full occupancy, hotels in Phuket were filled at the rates of 7-10% in January - a historic low. In any other normal January, Phuket would host around 300,000 winter-fleeing tourists from Europe.

Ms Suwalai Pinpradab, Director of the TAT Region 4 which covers Phuket, said she's hopeful for recovery in February and next month. But the local industry would be happy with a mere 40% hotel occupancy rate, as many airlines and tour operators are actively marketing cheap packages to Phuket.

In addition, TAT is marketing Phuket actively in neighbouring Asian countries particularly Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, South Korea and Taiwan. Further afield, TAT plans to promote destinations along the Andaman coast during road shows to the booming Shenzhen and Guangzhou cities in China later this month. In March, TAT has invited 1,500 journalists and travel agents from around the world to Phuket.

Tourist traffic to Phuket is also expected to be busy as Star Cruise vessels will bring 2,000 passengers to the area and the TAT is planning a Beach Fair to welcome them, said Ms Suwalai.

--TNA 2005-02-16

In March, TAT has invited 1,500 journalists and travel agents from around the world to Phuket.

Wish I got cushy jobs like this.

This will be the 'Phuket's back' story.

Probably the right thing to do, but a new Warning System is the main thing.