Talks boost China tourism market

PHUKET: More tourists from China are expected to come to Phuket as a result of talks between officials from the Shanghai Chamber of Commerce and local community bodies. Chen Jien Hua, Vice President of the Shanghai Chamber of Commerce, met Governor CEO Pongpayome Vasaputi and private-sector representatives, including the Phuket Chamber of Commerce and the Phuket Tourism Association (PTA), yesterday afternoon. The PTA has already done a roadshow to big cities in China. Closer co-operation between Phuket and Shanghai is expected to boost the number of Chinese tourists from the present level of 40,000 a year, as well as increasing investment on the island. The Governor’s office wants hotels to increase the number of rooms available for the China sector because of its growing potential.