Phuket landing fees to be cut by half

PHUKET: Airports of Thailand (AOT) is set to cut as much as 50% off landing fees for both international and domestic arrivals at Phuket International Airport (PIA) until December, in an effort to boost the region’s flagging tourist industry.

The Director of PIA, Sq/Ldr Pornchai Eua-aree, confirmed that AOT had had a meeting in Bangkok to discuss the cut in fees.

However, he said, “We cannot do this [bringing back tourists] all alone; we need help from the Tourism Authority of Thailand, hotels and travel agents to boost arrivals in Phuket.”

“The reduction of landing fees could help boost morale in terms of customers and businesses. [But] to bring tourists back to Phuket, we need the full cooperation of hotels and restaurants, through discounts and promotions.”