Central and local government dignitaries last week lined up to express confidence that strategies to develop the tourism competitiveness of Phuket …
Central and local government dignitaries last week lined up to express confidence that strategies to develop the tourism competitiveness of Phuket would catapult the southern resort island into international prominence.
Delivering the upbeat message yesterday, Deputy Provincial Governor Winai Buapradit was joined by the deputy secretary-general of the National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB) and the director of the Economic Competitiveness Development Office.
Speaking of the `world-class` nature of the island`s tourism strategies, Mr. Winai noted that Phuket not only had unique selling points in terms of its beautiful scenery, but also in terms of the services it was able to offer visitors.
The province`s five-pronged tourism development plan focuses on the island as an international conference centre to boost visitor numbers during the low season, and as a centre for health tourism, with tourists attracted by its high number of top-class spas.
In addition, the province aims to attract tourists by developing marinas, with heavy public and private sector investment.
Equally important is the island`s claim to be a `shopping paradise` to raise tourist spending.
Lastly, the province is endeavouring to set itself up as a centre for entertainment, in a bid to encourage visitors to lengthen their stays on the island.
Mr. Winai expressed confidence that if the strategies were followed to the letter, the island would be able to compete on the global tourism stage.
However, he stressed that the success of these strategies was dependent on cooperation from the private sector and members of the public.
At the same time, he conceded that the island still had some way to go on introducing orderliness and ensuring better safety regulations.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
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