Phuket Tourism Runs Smoothly Amid Security Warnings By Foreign Embassies

Phuket tourism runs smoothly amid security warnings by foreign embassies

BANGKOK: -- (NNT) – Phuket tourism was not affected by the risk of civil unrest amidst the current political tensions, according to the President of Phuket Tourist Association, Somboon Jirayus.

Mr Somboon stated the recent security warning by three foreign embassies had caused no effect with the regional tourism, no bad reactions nor room cancellation were made by international tourists. The tourism businesses in Phuket were expected to run smoothly as long as the situation was under control.

In addition, tourists nowadays can take direct flights to Phuket without having to transit in Bangkok. Most tourists had also traveled to the island before as they knew the area was far from the protesting crowd.

Mr Somboon hoped the situation would not get out of hand as it could affect overall image of the country. He said the unrest in April 2009 had caused restraint of a private tour from China. The group arrived Thailand as planned once the situation got under control.

Speaking of room reservations, currently 80% was booked. Mr Somboon said the booking would drop to 70% by the end of February. The Phuket Tourist Association, however, had conducted road shows to boost Phuket tourism at the city of Medan and Jakarta in Indonesia. The Association would also attend the Travel & Tourism trade show in Berlin, Germany between 10-14 March 2010.

-- NNT 2010-02-22

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