Prachuap Khiri Khan works on tourism

Khao Takiab, Khao Tao, Pranburi, Paknampran, Khao Kalok, Dolphin Bay, Sam Roi Yod and Prachuabkirikhan. Discussion on areas south of Hua Hin.
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buksida
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Prachuap Khiri Khan works on tourism

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The government of Prachuap Khiri Khan and tourism organisations aim to build on the momentum of growing arrivals in the province, hoping to position the area as an international tourist destination.

Udomsuk Nimcean, president of the Tourism Association of Prachuap Khiri Khan, said the group has completed the framework for the province's strategic tourism plan for 1-4 years, 10 years, and 20 years.

"The entire province is ready to move to another level. This is the first time the association has drafted a proactive tourism development plan, focusing more on the high-end segment," he said.

Prachuap Khiri Khan is best known for its sandy beaches and scenic bays on the eastern coast. The western part of the province is mountainous and forested.

The oldest beach resort in the country, Hua Hin, which houses Klai Kangwon Palace, the primary summer residence of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, is also part of the province.

Prachuap Khiri Khan has 500 registered hotels with 3,000-4,000 rooms, excluding hundreds of non-registered hotels and accommodations. Most hotel rooms are in the Hua Hin area.

Some 5-7 million visitors flocked to the province in 2016, with up to 45% staying in Hua Hin. Of the total visitors, 65% were domestic travellers, while the rest were foreigners, mostly from Sweden, Germany, Australia, Russia and China.

The average length of stay for tourists is 3-7 days per trip, but free independent tourists stay longer -- 2-3 weeks per trip.

Mr Udomsuk said the private sector also wants to promote the province for border trade and connectivity between the Singkhon Pass checkpoint and Myeik, Myanmar. Tourism operators have been calling on the government to upgrade the Singkhon checkpoint to a permanent entry point to help travel along the border.

Organisations are also developing applications to promote the province's tourism, in line with the government's Thailand 4.0 strategy, which is focused on technology and innovation.

"Most importantly, the province is focusing more on promoting local experiences, such as eco-tourism, trekking, viewing wildlife, health and wellness tourism and homestays," said Assoc Prof Pannee Suanpang of Suan Dusit University, who heads a tourism research team for Prachuap Khiri Khan.

Mr Udomsuk said Kui Buri National Park is replete with wildlife -- 230-240 wild elephants, bulls and others animal species.

Although the national park is only capable of serving 80 tourists per day, it is a real magnet in the province, catering to niche market and special interest travellers, he said.

Prachuab Puatha, owner of Baan Mae Pon homestay in Kui Buri, said her community also has its own development model to promote local tourism.

"We call it the Kui Buri model, which is driven and inspired by local people. We're promoting village tourism with niche activities."

There are five homestay operators in the village that offer tourists accommodations, meals and activities such as silk-making, viewing elephants and cultivating mulberries.

Each tourist will be charged 200 baht a night for homestay, excluding food and optional activities.

In order to promote the province as a whole, the private sector is promoting and highlighting tourism products and activities in each of its eight districts.

Hua Hin will be promoted as a beach town with historical significance, while Pran Buri is being advertised as a prime wedding destination. Sam Roi Yot is being touted as a good spot for nature lovers, while Kui Buri is being pushed as an adventure and eco-tourism destination.

Thap Sakae is being promoted for health and wellness tourism, while Bang Saphan is targeting beach goers and divers. Muang Prachuap Khiri Khan, meanwhile, is being marketed as the main gateway to Myanmar.

Source: http://www.bangkokpost.com/business/tou ... on-tourism
Who is the happier man, he who has braved the storm of life and lived or he who has stayed securely on shore and merely existed? - Hunter S Thompson
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Re: Prachuap Khiri Khan works on tourism

Post by handdrummer »

prepare for rising prices on all fronts.
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