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Tee-off at Angkor
Victoria Angkor Resort and Spa hotel in Cambodia has
inked a partnership agreement with the new Angkor Golf Resort in Siem
Reap, which opened in December 2007.
Its guests can play at the Nick Faldo designed, 18-hole PGA
(Professional Golfers’ Association)-standard championship golf course at
discounted green fees and at preferred tee-off times. They can also use
the services of four caddies dedicated to Victoria Angkor’s guests.
The golf course is located 10 minutes away from the hotel by car and
transfer is provided at no extra charge. (TTG)
Eco tourism island opens in Phuket
There’s a new tourist attraction not far from world-famous Phuket. It’s a virgin
island home to rare hornbills, deserted beaches and a secluded lush environment.
The 23 acres of Tapaonoi Island in Phuket has been a closed island under the
supervision of the Royal Thai Navy since 1919 when the hydrographic department
set up a lighthouse for sailing. It’s the country’s third oldest lighthouse at
109 years old.
The island has not seen much ‘people traffic’ according to Capt. Chakkrit
Malikhao. “The forest here is lush and green. There are a large number of birds,
particularly several couples of hornbills and there are long stretches of sandy
beaches around the island where tourists can enjoy swimming or snorkeling,” he
said.
The Navy’s hydrographic department had the idea of opening the island as a
tourist site, one of the few eco tourism sites on Phuket. Located just one
kilometer off Phuket or a 20-minute boat-ride, Tapaonoi Island is now another
option for holidaymakers on the Andaman coast. (TNA)
Thailand-Laos rail
service begins in late April
Rail service between Thailand and neighbouring Laos will start late this April,
and the Thai Ministry of Transport is confident that the direct link will
further enhance tourism and trade between the two countries.
Chaisawat Kittipornpaiboon, Thailand’s permanent secretary for Transport, said
the rail lines of the two countries were connected on the Thai-Lao ‘Mitraphab’
Friendship Bridge in the Thai border province of Nong Khai on February 20.
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) plans to begin its rail services to Laos
around late April, said Mr. Chaisawat.
Construction of the rail line from the middle of the bridge to Tanalaeng in Laos
has taken 18 months and is due to be completed next month as the SRT has also
installed a traffic control system and telecommunication facilities.
Initially, two passenger train services from Bangkok-Nong Khai-Ban Thanaleng
will be operated while a special ticket between Nong Khai and Ban Thanaleng will
be issued for tourists. (TNA)
Thai travel trade’s wish list
Thailand’s trade groupings have called the new tourism minister, Mr.
Weerasak Kowsurat, to continue developing tourism mega projects initiated by
the previous governments.
They also asked the minister to help strengthen the competitive edge of the
country’s small- and medium-sized tourism enterprises.
Tourism Council of Thailand president, Mr. Kongkrit Hiranyakit, said the
government should allocate at least 50 billion baht (US$1.68 billion) to
develop tourism projects initiated by the previous governments. These
include a marina in Phuket, a large theme park in the North of Thailand and
a Disneyland in the North-east.
Federation of Thai Travel Associations’ spokesman, Mr. Charoen Wangananond,
suggested the government should come up with a long-term policy that would
sustain tourism growth over time and not just within the current
government’s term.
Mr. Weerasak said he welcomed feedback from the country’s tourism
stakeholders. He said his plans are to drive the Thai tourism industry
forward by collaborating with four key stakeholders to send out a single
message in tourism development and promotions. The four key stakeholders are
related government agencies, local administration offices, the private
sector and local community groups.
The new Thai government under Prime Minister, Samak Sundaravej, announced
2008 and 2009 as years of tourism and investment in Thailand. (TTG)
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