Wichit Na Ranong, “Father of tourism” and chairman of the Indigo Pearl Hotel, was one of the key speakers.
At a recent meeting staged by the American Chamber of Commerce in Phuket, he urged the island’s private sector and citizens to come together to create a credible tourism plan for the next couple of decades, that could be spoon-fed to the government.
On the same day that the foreign contingent of Phuket’s business community attended the Amcham seminar on marine tourism (see facing page), the Thai heavy-hitters were meeting under the banner of “Visioning Phuket in 2020” – a meeting that could be the first step in the direction Mr Wichit pointed to.
Mr Wichit told the gathering that he sees three ways to improve the image of tourism in Phuket.
“First, we must monitor the capacity of [the island to receive] tourists.
“That includes the airport area, and not allowing too many tourists into any one area in order to keep places from deteriorating.
“Second, excellence in every area is a must to make a lasting impression on the tourists. All hotels and resorts must provide full training for their staff and set up internet systems to provide convenience for customers.
“Lastly, the tourism industry will progress only if it operates without stripping natural resources but instead helps to preserve the island’s beauty for future generations. Beaches should be preserved for tourists and residents to enjoy.
“As for the problem of traffic, the Phuket plan is to set up a light rail system alongside the public taxis. The city will have to push for the strict application of laws and encourage residents to help combat crime and environmental issues,” he said.
Tourism and Sports Minister Kobkarn Wattanarangkul, noting that Phuket brings in the largest amount of tourism revenue in Thailand, said the island is now being seen as a sports tourism destination following the success of the Asian Beach Games from November 14 to 23.
The island had also already proved capable of organising large conferences such as the 18th Inter-Islands Tourism Policy Forum in August.
Also at the meeting was Governor Nisit Jansomwong, who pleaded for an end to the mentality that wants to keep pushing up quantity of tourists at the expense of quality.
“We must make Phuket a province of ‘sufficiency tourism’ which means that tourists will experience happiness, comfort, cleanliness and safety while they are here.”
There was general agreement that Phuket has met the ceiling of its carrying capacity; that larger numbers of tourists would be destructive.
Anoma Wongyai, Phuket director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) – an organisation that has traditionally promoted quantity over quality – commented that Phuket tourism is growing fast but without clear direction.
“The city does not need many tourists to come and strip away our natural resources. We want to attract high-end tourists. So we must be clear in the way we present ourselves in the world tourism market.
“By 2020, Phuket must replace its image of beach tourism with the more modern version of tourism, which means we must improve our roads and infrastructure and make adjustments to the laws to accommodate with our new target group of tourists.
“We must also encourage and improve the morality of people in general, to reduce corruption.”Suchalermporn Poramajareonroj, CEO of Maxicorp-Sugarpalm Hotel and Sugar Marina, commented, “I want to see the growth lasting a long time, and not simply counting how many tourists we have each year.
“The more tourists we have, the more problems we have to deal with.”
The meeting was organised by the Siam Commercial Bank’s Private Banking Department. The bank’s chief economist, Dr Suttapa Amonwiwat, said that Phuket’s economy has great potential for expansion but issued a warning.
“Even though we have more tourists, they stay here for four or five days, compared with the normal five to six days. This stifles the tourist industry and prevents Phuket from developing into a world-class destination,” she pointed out.
Dr Suttapa said that Phuket must promote itself as more than just a beach destination, adding attractions such as shows, high-end shopping, and promoting culture and art, all with the aim of getting tourists to stay longer and spend more each day.
Songkran Isara of Charn Issara Development Co, which owns the Sri Panwa resort, said that Phuket must take care of safety issues of both tourists and residents. The budgets to look after natural resources and handle waste are limited.
“Many agree that we should target new groups of tourists – valuable tourists who will help to contribute in developing our city. Phuket needs more funds to keep the streets clean, to maintain and renew our infrastructure and overall image, so that is is presentable for tourists.”
Maitri Narukatpichai, CEO of the Hilton Phuket Arcadia and the Pullman Phuket Arcadia resorts, said, “More foreigners are coming to invest in the province but I think Phuket must make its hotels more modern and beautiful to tally with the model of what it wants to be.
“Also, the problem of traffic congestion must be solved as soon as possible.”
Boon Yongsakul, Deputy MD of Boat Lagoon marina, offered his vision of Phuket 2020: “We should push the island to be like Monaco. It will be a centre for distributing tourists to neighbouring destinations and connecting with the rest of Southeast Asia.”
He warned, “If we do not push Phuket up [the quality ladder] then Myanmar will take this spot and become the focus of the Andaman – they are growing and advancing rapidly.”