Ponganan Suwannakan, president of the Phuket Tourist Association (PTA), who led the delegation to the Lion City, said, “The road show proved that Phuket is already a famous destination in the region.”
However, he added, “With the advent of the Asean Economic Community (AEC), local hotel staff have to improve their language skills and raise service levels to an international standard.”
PTA Vice President Purit Matwongsa said, “Phuket has plenty of good quality hotels, a green environment and interesting activities, so the island remains a good choice for tourists.”
Suchart Hirankanokkul, president of the Thai Hotels Association, southern chapter, commented: “Nowadays there is no low season, because the number of Asian arrivals has increased to offset declining numbers from Europe.”
Ponganan agreed, adding, “The Chinese are the main target for Phuket in the low season. We have to accept that the economic situation in the West is still bad.”