Phuket to receive award for “fastest recovery’
PHUKET CITY: Phuket has won the Arabian Travel Market 2006 (ATM) “New Frontiers Award” for being the tourism destination that recovered fastest from a natural disaster, Governor Udomsak Uswarangkura announced yesterday.
“The Arabian Travel Market has praised Phuket for its outstanding recovery and positive contribution to tourism development after the tsunami,” Governor Udomsak said.
“The island was chosen after organizers consulted professionals representing international charities, global travel and tourism associations and journalists from leading travel publications. The short-list included destinations such as Lebanon, Bali, Sri Lanka, Egypt and the Maldives, who also suffered from disasters.”
He added that major factors in Phuket winning the award included then-Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra flying to Phuket to supervise rescue and clean-up efforts, and emergency crews reopening Phuket International Airport within 24 hours.
The Governor will receive the award from Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Governor Juthamas Siriwan at a ceremony at Loma Park in Patong, on June 27.
About 1,000 businesses and individuals, including hotels, clubs and rescue foundations, will receive certificates of thanks for their contributions to Phuket’s recovery, Gov Udomsak added.
