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Phuket resort upbeat,
despite contracting economy
in first nine months
Despite plunging taxes and tourism revenues, a practical
provincial administration remains upbeat about Phuket’s future.
The economy of this world-renowned tourist resort
contracted during the first nine months of 2005 due to the extended plunge
in tourism, according to figures released today by Governor Udomsak
Asavarangkura.
The news was not unexpected, suggested the governor. The
shortfalls were so evident as to not require expert analysis.
In the aftermath of the tsunami, Phuket received only
479,174 visitors, down 52 percent compared to arrival figures from the same
period last year. As a consequence, the local economy, heavily dependent on
tourism-related activities, contracted palpably, and was plain for all to
see.
During the first nine months of this year, the local
administration managed to collect Bt 3.39 million in tax revenue, the
governor said, less than expenditures of Bt 3.82 million. However, golf
tourism, along with yachting and cruise holidays, have shown promising signs
to offset the loss from traditional tourism, said the governor, adding that
the property market of Phuket remains lively. (TNA)
Thailand plans ‘dam’ good yacht marina
Function Marine plans to open the first freshwater
yachting marina in Thailand in the Kanchanaburi province next year. The
company will invest around 80 million baht (US$1.9 million) developing the
Lake Haven Resort and Park next to the Srinakarin Dam in Sri Sawat District,
using the dam for yachting.
Chairman Vikorn Phuwapatch said the project was part of
the company’s strategy to distribute imported yachts made in the United
States, provide after-sales services and create a community for yacht
lovers. He said yacht prices had been reduced by half after the government
lifted import tax off foreign-made yachts.
Following the completion of the Lake Haven project, he
expected to achieve sales revenue of 160 million baht (US$3.8 million) next
year, doubling the figure to 400 million baht (US$9.52 million) and 800
million baht (US$19 million) in 2007 and 2008, respectively.
Srinakarin Dam is the first multi-purpose dam built under
the project to develop the Mae Klong River Basin. It is 140m high measured
from the base with a ridge measuring 610m long and 15m wide. Its reservoir
has the capacity to store up to 17.45 million cubic meters of water.
The dam’s authority has recently introduced a policy
allowing the development of yachting marina or resort. A few more investors
are expected to develop similar projects in the area. (TTG Asia)
AirAsia to roll out massive regional campaign to give away 2 million free seats
Kuala Lumpur - AirAsia, Asia’s leading and award
winning low fare airline, is celebrating its 4th anniversary in spectacular
fashion. For the first time since its inception in Dec 2001, AirAsia will
embark on a no holds barred regional marketing campaign to give away a
whopping 2,000,000 seats for free! These 2,000,000 free seats are available
for all domestic and regional flights departing from AirAsia’s 4 hubs in
Kuala Lumpur, Senai (Johor), Bangkok (Thailand) and Jakarta (Indonesia).
AirAsia presently operates over 100 domestic and regional flights to
Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, China, Macau, Vietnam,
Philippines, and Cambodia.
Following the announcement of the 2 million free seats,
AirAsia will undertake an aggressive regional advertising campaign to be
launched for the first time simultaneously in 8 countries from 7th December
2005.
“This is the first time AirAsia has launched a major
regional marketing campaign of such magnitude, and it will be the biggest
online free seats campaign ever offered in Asia. Our Internet bookings at
www.airasia.com have increased to 65% in the last 4 years, making it one of
the most successful distribution channels to date. AirAsia has built a wide
route network of over 60 destinations across Asia and we feel that it’s an
opportune time to celebrate with this 2 million free seats giveaway. This is
our gesture of saying a big thank you to our guests and the public who
supported and contributed to AirAsia’s success. With our affordable low
fares, AirAsia has carried 15 million guests in the region. We hope to
enable more Asians in our part of the world to fulfill their dreams to fly
for free with our 2 million free seat campaign.” - Kathleen Tan, Executive
Vice President - Commercial, AirAsia Berhad
*To be eligible for the 2 million free seats offer,
booking must be completed online at www.airasia.com or via
mobile.airasia.com (available on GPRS, 3G, EDGE mobile phones or wireless
device) between 7th December to 28th December 2005, for travel in 7 Feb
2006, to 10th October 2006.
** NOTE: Free seats offer excludes airport taxes and fees, fuel
surcharges, and is applicable for travel one way only. Book early to avoid
disappointment as seats are limited and may not be available on all flights,
public holidays, school breaks and weekends. For more information, visit
www.airasia.com
Faster overland route to Angkor Wat
Tourists visiting Angkor Wat by car can expect shorter
traveling distance as Cambodia has already begun constructing a new Poi Pet
and Siem Reap road, slated to complete by the end of 2008.
The 147km route costs around US$42 million (Bt.1.68
billion) and is financed under a loan program supported by the Asian
Development Bank.
Traveling time on the existing road from Poi Pet opposite
the Aranyaprathet district in Thailand to Angkor Wat currently takes around
six to seven hours. The new road is expected to help shorten the time to
between two and three hours.
Cambodia Transport Minister, Sun Chanthol, said the
number of tourists arriving at Angkor Wat would triple when the route is
completed. Currently, around 1,000 tourists travel daily by car to Siem
Reap. (TTG Asia)
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