To some, they are just two cute black and white bears. But to people working in the tourism industry of this northern city of…
To some, they are just two cute black and white bears. But to people working in the tourism industry of this northern city of Chiang Mai, the two pandas recently sent by the Chinese government to the Chiang Mai Zoo as `animal friendship ambassadors` are a godsend.
According to Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkijt, the arrival of the panda pair in Chiang Mai has seen the zoo record a fivefold increase in visitor numbers, with average revenue of Bt5 million a day.
The pandas have also proved a boon for Thai Airways International Plc (THAI), which has heavily publicised `panda viewing` trips, and the airline is now increasing the number of flights to Chiang Mai in order to cope with extra demand.
However, Mr. Suriya said that the city still had some way to go in its transformation into a regional aviation hub, noting that city bus operators had recently pointed out that the absence of safe buses in the city was a problem.
The matter would now be looked into as a matter of urgency, he said. (TNA)
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales. She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
