THE POTENTIAL for the tuk-tuk stand-off on Phuket to damage the island's tourism industry became apparent today with the revelation of other big travel brands involved.
A spokeswoman for Centara Resorts said that Turismo Asia, who act for the large Scandinavian travel group TUI Nordic, has been a target for tuk-tuk action, along with Phuket adventure tour brand Siam Safari.
The spokeswoman, who asked only to be described as ''an agent from the hotel,'' told a meeting at Provincial Hall today that the tuk-tuk dispute posed a threat to Phuket's ''sensitive Scandinavian market.''
She said there was a danger that travellers would find alternative destinations if guests continued to be caught up in the tuk-tuk dispute.
A two-page letter, signed by Centara Group Vice President Treerayut Jiratiwat, was handed to Vice Governor Smit Parawatwichai, who chaired today's meeting.
The letter told of a phone call to Centara Karon Resort Phuket on November 25 from local tuk-tuk co-operative president Pomtep Charmkawn, who said that tuk-tuk drivers would block access to the resort to prevent Turismo Asia picking up and dropping off guests.
Khun Pomtep told a human resources manager that Turismo Asia was ''breaking the law and cheating local taxis, preventing them from obtaining an income.''
Police from Chalong had to be called the day after to the resort because of tuk-tuks blocking the way for tourists to be picked up.
It is believed that the blockades by tuk-tuk drivers have been continuing, with police being called on several occasions.
On Monday this week, the wife of a Vice President of Centara was asked by tuk-tuk drivers to present her voucher when she was picked up by private transport, the meeting heard.
Tuk-tuk drivers have asked Turismo Asia and Siam Safari drivers to present their list of people for pick-up before being allowed through.
The tuk-tuk drivers want guests to take tuk-tuks for at least part of their tour journeys to boost the local economy. Turismo Asia brings about 120,000 tourists to Phuket each year, today's meeting heard.
Another meeting has been scheduled for Friday.
Centara Resorts, part of Thailand's large Central group, have three resorts in the Karon-Kata region of Phuket and a fourth large resort nearing completion on the Karon beach foreshore.
Phuket Brands and Tuk-Tuks in Fares Stand-OffA spokeswoman for Centara Resorts said that Turismo Asia, who act for the large Scandinavian travel group TUI Nordic, has been a target for tuk-tuk action, along with Phuket adventure tour brand Siam Safari.
The spokeswoman, who asked only to be described as ''an agent from the hotel,'' told a meeting at Provincial Hall today that the tuk-tuk dispute posed a threat to Phuket's ''sensitive Scandinavian market.''
She said there was a danger that travellers would find alternative destinations if guests continued to be caught up in the tuk-tuk dispute.
A two-page letter, signed by Centara Group Vice President Treerayut Jiratiwat, was handed to Vice Governor Smit Parawatwichai, who chaired today's meeting.
The letter told of a phone call to Centara Karon Resort Phuket on November 25 from local tuk-tuk co-operative president Pomtep Charmkawn, who said that tuk-tuk drivers would block access to the resort to prevent Turismo Asia picking up and dropping off guests.
Khun Pomtep told a human resources manager that Turismo Asia was ''breaking the law and cheating local taxis, preventing them from obtaining an income.''
Police from Chalong had to be called the day after to the resort because of tuk-tuks blocking the way for tourists to be picked up.
It is believed that the blockades by tuk-tuk drivers have been continuing, with police being called on several occasions.
On Monday this week, the wife of a Vice President of Centara was asked by tuk-tuk drivers to present her voucher when she was picked up by private transport, the meeting heard.
Tuk-tuk drivers have asked Turismo Asia and Siam Safari drivers to present their list of people for pick-up before being allowed through.
The tuk-tuk drivers want guests to take tuk-tuks for at least part of their tour journeys to boost the local economy. Turismo Asia brings about 120,000 tourists to Phuket each year, today's meeting heard.
Another meeting has been scheduled for Friday.
Centara Resorts, part of Thailand's large Central group, have three resorts in the Karon-Kata region of Phuket and a fourth large resort nearing completion on the Karon beach foreshore.
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Posted by Lena on December 9, 2009 19:40