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Vice Governor Dr Sommai with ''sustainability'' investigators

Phuket Must Quickly Embrace 'Sustainable' Tourism Or Perish

Friday, August 24, 2012
News Analysis

PHUKET: The word ''sustainability'' needs to be shouted far and wide on Phuket but it's barely heard above a whisper so far.

This week, two of Phuket tourism's most influential people met with Vice Governor Dr Sommai Preechasin at Phuket Provincial Hall in Phuket City.

Simon Pickup is the Sustainable Tourism Manager for ABTA, the British travel association, while Spain's Arantxa Garcia is Head of Sustainable Development for TUI travel.

Both organisations are hugely influential, particularly with agents and tour groups.

The fact that ''sustainability'' now has such prominence should be absorbed by Phuket's tourism industry and the island's administrators.

Along with the importance of ''prevention'' and ''enforcement'' in tourism safety, ''sustainability'' ranks very highly in determining Phuket tourism's future.

The pair peppered Dr Sommai politely with questions about Phuket's garbage disposal system, Phuket's deteriorating natural environment, and Phuket's traffic.

As Mr Pickup and Ms Garcia had just seen for themselves the devastation wreaked by severe flooding in Phuket City that morning, there were a few questions about infrastructure, too.

''How many resorts will be opening soon on Phuket? How many more rooms can the island sustain?''

''Where does your energy come from?''

''Is Phuket self-sufficient in water?''

''After the tsunami in 2004, how has Phuket recovered?''

To her credit, Dr Sommai gave positive answers that were certainly accurate.

Yes, she acknowledged, tourism is bringing environmental damage to Phuket.

Yes, the aim is for a ''green destination'' where the beaches and the reefs are protected.

Yes, a recycling system would help to tame Phuket's garbage mountain.

During their visit, the pair are likely to form their own judgements and to talk to others about Phuket's future appeal.

Those people in Phuket's tourism industry who believe the flow of tourists will effortlessly keep Phuket prospering for decades need to look at the new aspirations of TUI and ABTA.

It's no longer all about the money.

Organisations like these can divert tourists to other destinations just as easily as a new Phuket development can block a natural stream.

TUI, according to its web site, ''has 73,700 employees around the world who work to create unforgettable holiday experiences for over 30 million customers.''

And they don't want to damage the world for the next generation, which is where ''sustainability'' comes into it.

''TUI affiliated companies accept their responsibility and are committed to sustainable development and the protection of the environment and nature . . .

''Not only at our corporate locations but also in the holiday destinations we meet our social responsibilities with a high degree of commitment.''

ABTA says online: ''We help our Members and their customers navigate through today's changing travel landscape by providing schemes of financial protection and a course of redress if something goes wrong; by raising standards in the industry and by giving guidance on issues from sustainability to health and safety; and by presenting a united voice to government to ensure the industry and the public get a fair deal.''

It's probably time, we suspect, that Phuket's tourism industry leaders became active in spreading the word about ''sustainability'' among schools and workplaces, but perhaps with the greatest speed in local council offices.

If this vital education process is left too much longer, Phuket's beaches will be turned into ''community shopping malls'' and the tourists will move on.

And TUI, ABTA and other organisations will help them move on . . . unless Phuket tourism becomes ''sustainable.''

Phuketwan was the only media outlet present at this week's meeting.

Comments

Comments have been disabled for this article.

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The headline begs the question,'Sustainable' Tourism Or Perish ?
I say perish as you have destroyed all that could be called natural here. Now we have a concrete jungle with all the natural disasters waiting to happen. You killed the golden goose.

Posted by DunB on August 24, 2012 10:40

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I've left after 28 years. Most of my farang friends and Thai relatives won't set foot on Phuket unless absolutely necessary. It's too crowded with money obsessed rent seeker types. The traffic is bad, the beaches in high season have been leased to private business and all the scenic views stolen by illegal resorts. I can't see how it can get better.

Posted by logbags on August 24, 2012 12:24

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And Patong has already outgrown it's infrastructure, 4-7 pm in high season it's pretty much a gridlock.

Posted by phuketguy on August 24, 2012 12:24

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I agree with Logbags here. Patong and Phuket and Pattaya, are Thailand's very own Sodom and Gomorrah.
Too late to turn back time now.

Posted by Robin on August 24, 2012 16:33

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@Logbags: I can say "ditto", though I have only lived in Phuket a modest 17 years. All my friends are gone, either up country (my move) or abroad. I no longer golf as it is way over priced. I only come for diving now & if some are to be believed, that is deteriorating also. The influx of mass Russian & Asian tourism has displaced the westerners who contributed so much financially & multi-culturally. Sad days indeed!

Posted by Logic on August 24, 2012 17:05

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"If this vital education process is left too much longer, Phuket's beaches will be turned into ''community shopping malls'' and the tourists will move on." A tleast a "shopping mall" would be a lot better than what the full length of Patong beach looked like yesterday, at 5pm, with the tide out, I have never in my life seen so much rubbish, except at a disposal site, it was disgraceful and disgusting, only wish I could post a photo.

Posted by dbate_me on August 24, 2012 17:11

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I'm not a Luddite, but I prefer to see change for the better not the worse. Phuket is a text book example of what happens when corruption gets way out of control.

Posted by logbags on August 24, 2012 20:03

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I have been here since 1988 and I have several good businesses and I still love the place .you are probably leaving because you failed here .
There are still lots of great beaches and beautiful spots to see if you get of your ass and go out and look mr log bags

Posted by Neil Bryan on August 24, 2012 20:41

Editor Comment:

Don't be shy, Neil. Please tell us all: Where are Phuket's great 2012 beaches? We've seen the 1988 photos.

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This may come as a bit of a shock Neil, but there are still a few people left who prefer to visit a beach and find it in the state Mother Nature created it. A few people left who prefer walking down the street without getting hounded to death by touts and greasy handed suit salesmen. A few people left who prefer to walk on streets without the danger of falling down a hole or breaking an ankle. A few people left who prefer to drive on roads without the danger of giant potholes. A few people left who prefer to pay the same price for goods and service every other citizen pays. Lastly, there are still people left who prefer not to judge a person based on their wealth or perceived social status because money all too often gives relevance to otherwise irrelevant people

Posted by logbags on August 25, 2012 01:19

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I believe it is too late for Phuket. I first visited 23 years ago and still come back multi times a year, but I have very little good to say about the place nowadays. All the big complaints are valid, but there is very little thought given to such simple things as trying to cross the road, pavements, parking and rubbish disposal. A lot of tourists can do without diving, tuk tuks, jet skis etc but the whole experience is just too uncomfortable nowadays. Even Jung Ceylon (what did we do before that?) spoils itself by blasting out extremely loud music and those dangerous wooden walkways. My brother and his wife are visiting Phuket for the first time next month. It will be interesting to hear their views of the place.

Posted by Ga on August 25, 2012 05:47

Editor Comment:

Yes, please let us know what your brother and his wife think.

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'Mr log bags . Get on a long tail boat and go to ratcha island or even kho bon just a few hundred meters from Rawai pier and you will find nice beaches , have you ever heard ok Mai kho beach I think the is 20 kilometers of it to walk .
How about that big bay next to Phuket .
Get out of the city or your housing estate and go and explore the huge National park just an hour and a halfs drive from Phuket city .
Yes there are big changes in Phuket and it is sad but this is happening all over the world .
Believe me there are still lots of beautiful things to see if you just try and stop complaining .

Posted by Neil Bryan on August 25, 2012 07:36

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I love Phuket! I live in Phuket Town which has its charms. Then there are the many forested mountains which I enjoy exploring.. and of course lovely quiet beaches further north for relazing and camping. Then every now and again I have a night out in Patong or go to Central to so some shopping. Most of all I have great friends, foreign and Thai alike with whom I socialise and play sport with. They really make it what it is!

Just a different perspective.

Oh and yes of course sustainability is very important for everywhere in the world, not just the tourist destinations. The new generations are learning that and will ultimately bring the change.

Posted by Matt on August 25, 2012 07:42

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Although I lived in Phuket for 9 years, and still have 2 busy and profitable small hotels on the island, I have recently relocated to live and work in Yangon, Myanmar (Burma).

Unfortunately, the warnings that many Thais and foreigners have made for as many years as I can remember concerning the damage being done to Phuket's environment and long-term viability, have generally been ignored by those who are in positions of authority or influence, and who could act to make the positive change.

In fairness, this situation is not unique to Phuket - many tourist destinations only have eyes for $$$, but come to 'their senses' before permanent damage is done.

The difference with Phuket is that 'people speak - no one acts' - and no one ever takes responsibility for anything!

Posted by Simon Luttrell on August 25, 2012 12:10


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