The “Andaman cluster” generated B320 billion in 2013 and B360 billion in 2014, said Gov Chamroen at the press launch for the 7th Andaman Travel Trade 2015 expo on Thursday (Dec 3).
“For 2015, I expected the income generated to rise by 11 per cent, to more than B400 billion,” he said.
The number of tourists visiting the region also grew rapidly, but steadily during those years, Gov Chamroen added.
“The number of visitors to these provinces rose from 19.3 million in 2013 to to 21.5 million in 2014. I expect this number to rise to 25 million for 2015,” he said.
To help local businesses meet the burgeoning demand for tourism products and services, the 7th Andaman Travel Trade 2015 expo will be held at Phuket Rajabhat University on December 10-11, announced Phuket Tourism Association (PTA) Vice President Bhuritt Maswongssa.
More than 270 tourism-related operators from overseas and about 100 local tourism-related businesses, such as hotels, tour companies and airlines, from Andaman provinces will join the event, this year held under the theme “Discover Andaman – Explore Happiness”.
“The fair provide an opportunity for people in the industry to meet and exchange ideas and present tourism products,” Mr Bhuritt explained.
Of note, representatives from the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA) will attend the event on December 11, he added.
The Andaman Travel Trade 2015 starts at 9am daily over the three days. The event is open to any persons interested in tourism-related business opportunities in the Andaman region.