Thailand’s Transport Ministry is planning to open two cruise liner ports with one in Krabi and the other in Surat Thani. A yacht show is also being scheduled
Thailand’s Transport Ministry unveiled their plans to build two cruise liner ports. A port will be built in Krabi and Surat Thani. The plans come as no surprise as Thailand is trying to boost their national revenue as much as possible this year.
A growing decline in the country’s revenue has seen Thailand invest heavily in the transport industry and attempt to bolster tourism even further. Arkhom Termpittayapaisith, the Deputy Transport Minister, stated that cruise liners in the country are gaining in popularity. Adding two new ports will allow high-spending tourists to add to the country’s revenue while helping beach communities maintain profitability.
Estimates provided by the secretary of Tourism and Sports indicates that cruise liners are responsible for 100,000 tourists visiting Thailand annually. Many of the vessels currently dock at cargo ports due to a lack of capacity for cruise liners.
The country hopes to compete with Singapore’s ports.
Currently, there are ports in Phuket, Bangkok and Laem Chabang. The ministry has yet to conclude their study on the feasibility of ports being built in Krabi and Surat Thani. There have been no announcements on when port construction will begin or when a final decision on the construction of the ports will be announced.
Plans have also been revealed that will improve tourist safety in Surat Thani and Krabi. These plans will help with the addition of the two cruise liner ports once they are approved.
The Transport Ministry also announced a yacht show in the country. Hoping to spur tourism further, the show will see manufacturers from across the world displaying new and super yachts for sale to potential buyers.
Prime Minister, Prayut Chan-o-cha, strongly believes that the yacht show will promote Thailand as a prime location for cruising.
The show is expected to take place in Pattaya or Phuket.
Source: http://news.thaivisa.com/thaivisa-news/thailands-transport-ministry-plans-to-build-two-cruise-liner-ports/34686/
