Phuket tourism in full swing

PHUKET: Tourism in Phuket is now back in full swing, with the hosting of two major international events.

The three-day 'Thailand Tourism Congress 2022' (TTC 2022) will kick-off tomorrow at the Beyond Resort Kata followed on Wednesday by the three-day 'Thailand Travel Mart Plus 2022' (TTM+ 2022) at the Angsana Laguna Phuket.

Both events signaled Phuket's readiness to host major international events and welcome tourists again, after two years of travel restrictions due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Thai government had also announced on June 1 of the official lifting of outdoor mask mandates - at the beach, public park, sports stadium and other public areas - in Phuket, the first province in Thailand to do so.

Phuket Governor Narong Woonsew ordered the lifting of the mask mandate, explaining that people exercising or those who were 'outside where the air flows' were not required to mask up.

Public Health Ministry Permanent Secretary Kiattipoom Wongrachit issued a statement that Thailand aimed to completely drop its mask mandate by mid-June.

The Thai government also planned to transition to an endemic phase by next month.

The TTM+ is jointly organised by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), provincial authorities and the private sector since 2001.

The event was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to Covid-19.

Phuket deputy governor Pichet Panapong said the events were part of Thailand's bid to promote investments and revive the island's economy.

Pichet expected over 400 guests - including representatives from government agencies, tourism-related business, academics and journalists - who have been invited to attend the TTC.

Likewise, he said over 700 people were expected to attend the TTM+, including travel agents and journalists.

"Phuket is an area that is ready to host the TTM+ 2022 event and is a continuation of the success of the Phuket Sandbox scheme.

"It guarantees the island's image as a leader in Thailand's tourism in managing the safety of tourists at a high level.

"In addition, Phuket has a strong public health system. There are airports and hotels on the island with accommodation of the appropriate standard ready to support the participants," Pichet said.

Among the officials expected to attend the events are Phuket TAT office director Nanthasiri Ronnasiri, Phuket Provincial Public Health Office chief Dr Kusak Kukiattikoon, Phuket Tourist Association president Bhummikitti Raktaengam and TAT deputy governor of marketing for Asia and the South Pacific Thanet Phetsuwan.

Bhummikitti said the TTC would play a key role in promoting improvements and sustainability within the tourism industry.

Bhummikitti also invited business operators and executives of tourism associations to attend the forum to discuss ways to attract more visitors, while minimising the impact of mass tourism especially on the environment.

Rewat said TTM+ offered the chance for local businesses to expand by nurturing relationships with international partners.

"The government is planning to fully reopen the country to foreign tourists this year, in order to stimulate the sluggish economy and decrease the unemployment rate, particularly in the tourism and hospitality sectors.

"In the past, successful TTM+ events have seen many foreign travel business partners take part.

"For this event, the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation has supported a budget of 4 million baht for organising activities.

"Phuket residents are invited to be a good host to welcome more than 350 agencies and media from around the world who will join the TTM+," he said.

Thanet said that to ensure Phuket's reopening was a success, TAT would promote Thailand in foreign markets under the concept 'Visit Thailand 2022: Amazing New Chapters'.

Thanet added that TTM+ 2022 would feature business-matching sessions, a networking dinner and media exhibitions

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