PM’s Office announces ‘Andaman Grand Sale’

PHUKET CITY: In order to aid in the region’s post-tsunami economic recovery, the government has announced a special “Andaman Grand Sale” to take place in Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi from December 27, 2005 to January 28, 2006.

Chaiyapak Siriwat, Chief Advisor to the Prime Minister, announced the campaign at a press conference at the Royal Phuket City Hotel late yesterday afternoon.

Also attending the event were Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Region 4 Director Suwalai Pinpradap and Phuket Vice-Governor Pongsak Praivet.

K. Chaiyapak said the Prime Minister’s office would encourage hotels, restaurants, jewelry shops, retail outlets, spas, golf courses and duty-free shops to join in the campaign by offering special discounts.

Businesses wishing to take part need to contact the TAT Region 4 office in Phuket City “as soon as possible” with their special discounts and promotions, he said.

When the list is complete, the Prime Minister’s Office will print up some 50,000 to 100,000 discount coupon booklets for distribution to tourists, the TAT helping in the distribution effort and also in a promotional capacity.

K. Chaiyapak said he expects good cooperation from businesses, as the they stand to benefit from the increased sales by taking part.

Describing the sale as similar in nature to Christmas sales held abroad, he said that if this year’s campaign is a success it would probably be repeated next year.

In a related story, the TAT has launched two new websites aimed at further promoting tourism in the region.

The first, www.thailandhotdeal.com, lists what the TAT sees as the best deals currently available in the region. Sponsored by THAI airways Royal Orchid Plus service, the site features travel products by Asian Trails, CBS Successive Tours, East West Siam, Diethelm Travel, Passion Net Company Ltd and Pathfinders Travel Company, Ltd.

The second site, www.andamanfans.com, was set up as a non-profit website dedicated to “Andaman Lovers”, a community of people who enjoy visiting the region. It allows members to send free e-postcards with images from around the region to friends abroad and also has a discussion forum.