Tourism road show targets neighbors

PHUKET: One of the first activities organized by the newly-elected Phuket Tourist Association (PTA) committee will be a road show to Singapore and Malaysia, aimed at attracting low-season tourists. Pattanapong Aikwanich, the new president of the PTA, told a press conference this afternoon that the “Thailand Southern Paradise Road Show 2002” will run from August 13-17. Panu Massirat, Vice-President of PTA said that almost 30 tour agencies were interested in the promotion which, in addition to Phuket, also includes Krabi, Phang Nga and Koh Samui. “Asian tourists are the main target and we want to attract them in the low season,” K Panu explained. The Phuket Provincial Administration Organization (OrBorJor) and the local branch of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) will host dinners in Singapore and Malaysia. Thai Airways and MAS have provided a special fare. Anupharp Thirarath, Director of the local TAT office, said Phuket has many attractions apart from its beaches. These include seafood, golf courses, fishing, spas and diving. “We also want to see tourists from Singapore and Malaysia drive to Phuket because it doesn’t take long,” K Anupharp added. The TAT has backed the spending of 500 million baht to improve signage for tourists throughout Thailand, but especially in the South. TAT figures show that about 100,000 Malaysians and 80,000 Singaporeans came to Phuket last year.