Gov accepts “Phuket getting ugly’ judgment

PHUKET: Governor Udomsak Usawarangkura says he accepts the judgment of a survey in the respected National Geographic Traveler magazine that Phuket as a destination is “getting ugly”, and says that he is “ready to improve Phuket”. The “getting ugly” assessment was published by National Geographic Traveler magazine after it conducted a survey of 200 specialists in sustainable tourism, destination stewardship and related fields. The specialists assessed 115 well-known destinations worldwide. Phuket came third from last with a score of 43 out of 100. (See also https://thethaiger.com/news/index.asp?id=3487 ) The Governor told the Gazette yesterday that he had to accept the results of the assessment because the magazine “checked many items about tourism”. He explained, “I believe [the magazine] conducted the survey systematically and methodically, so we will use it to help us to improve things. “In Phuket, many organizations have conducted research by surveying tourists. Their results are similar to the assessment [in the magazine], which confirms that we have a problem. The people involved must realize that it is time to help Phuket once again become a good place for tourism. “The result [of the National Geographic Traveler] survey is like a mirror in which we can see ourselves. “I’m always pleased to receive criticisms,” the Governor added. “They help us to solve problems and improve matters.”