ANOTHER cruise liner is delivering passengers to Phuket each week now as the seaborne segment of the island's tourist traffic becomes increasingly important.
The Star Dibra, carrying 800, first anchored in Patong Bay this month and will visit every week. It adds to the 2000 passengers from the Star Vigo and emphasises the growing importance of the Singapore-Phuket connection.
The new regional Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Bangornrat Shinaprayoon, believes Phuket is now a world-class attraction.
Her role also takes in Phang Nga, and the ''Greater Phuket'' idea appears to be the combination that the TAT hopes will appeal to a broader range of visitors, especially at the top end.
Tourists are more restless these days. The urbanised beach destinations that now make up Phuket's west coast are being mixed and matched with the more remote Phang Nga experience.
''Australians remain our most significant market,'' Khun Bangornrat said. ''Direct flights from Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne are helping us. Europe has slipped a little.
''People who come on the cruise ships spend more money, but they do not stay in resorts. Nevertheless, we could use more cruise visitors.''
Bali remained Phuket leading competitor in the region, she said, and had a strong cultural appeal. But there were aspects of Phuket's appeal that could be improved, especially with the Chinese histproy and traditions of old Phuket Town so strong.
Khun Bangornrat, on the staff of the TAT since 1982, was recently director of the New York office and has a masters degree in economics.
One of her strategies will be to work more closely with her predecessor, Sethaphan Buddhani, who is opening the TAT's second office in India.
The Andaman Travel Trade 2009 is being held at Central festival from November 26-29. It has already attracted 218 confirmed agents and buyers from around the world, she said, with more yet to respond.
Resorts in the region and tour businesses of all kinds are expected to be represented.
The Star Dibra, carrying 800, first anchored in Patong Bay this month and will visit every week. It adds to the 2000 passengers from the Star Vigo and emphasises the growing importance of the Singapore-Phuket connection.
The new regional Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Bangornrat Shinaprayoon, believes Phuket is now a world-class attraction.
Her role also takes in Phang Nga, and the ''Greater Phuket'' idea appears to be the combination that the TAT hopes will appeal to a broader range of visitors, especially at the top end.
Tourists are more restless these days. The urbanised beach destinations that now make up Phuket's west coast are being mixed and matched with the more remote Phang Nga experience.
''Australians remain our most significant market,'' Khun Bangornrat said. ''Direct flights from Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne are helping us. Europe has slipped a little.
''People who come on the cruise ships spend more money, but they do not stay in resorts. Nevertheless, we could use more cruise visitors.''
Bali remained Phuket leading competitor in the region, she said, and had a strong cultural appeal. But there were aspects of Phuket's appeal that could be improved, especially with the Chinese histproy and traditions of old Phuket Town so strong.
Khun Bangornrat, on the staff of the TAT since 1982, was recently director of the New York office and has a masters degree in economics.
One of her strategies will be to work more closely with her predecessor, Sethaphan Buddhani, who is opening the TAT's second office in India.
The Andaman Travel Trade 2009 is being held at Central festival from November 26-29. It has already attracted 218 confirmed agents and buyers from around the world, she said, with more yet to respond.
Resorts in the region and tour businesses of all kinds are expected to be represented.
