South American saviors

PHUKET: Tourism officials are seeking to tap into the Brazilian travel market to help Thai tourism reach its revenue goal for the year despite the coup.

Some 21 Brazilian travel agents recently concluded a tour of Phuket and the surrounding area and said they felt completely safe and did not fear the political situation after they arrived, said Anoma Wongyai, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Phuket Office Director.

“This trip was organized so that the agents could create exciting tour packages for their customers,” said Ms Anoma.

“Travel should continue as usual in Thailand,” she added.

The agents, from travel company Queensbery Co, Ltd, inspected tourist attractions in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi from May 23-31.

Ms Anoma was on hand to host the agency representatives when they arrived on the island on May 28.

“We treated the tour guides to dinner at Thanoon Seafood Restaurant, just over the bridge in Phang Nga, after they arrived. They left for Phi Phi Island on May 29 and then visited Phang Nga Bay on May 30. They ended their journey through the Andaman provinces with a tour of Phuket City on May 31,” she said.

After showing around the Brazilian visitors, Ms Anoma is optimistic that the South American country could send a large number of tourists to Thailand.

“I am hoping that this new market can help us reach our two-trillion-baht goal for the tourism industry.”

— Saran Mitrarat