PHUKET: Chinese tour companies have been charging tourists up to 5000 baht for a day-trip between Phuket and Phi Phi that would normally cost 700-800 baht, it was revealed today.
Having asked for payment before the tourist leaves China, some tour companies then organise the lowest possible price for the day trip on Phuket and pocket the enormous profit, says the island's director of the Tourism and Sport Department, Santi Pawai.
''It's not unusual for the Chinese tour operators to charge their customers 3000 to 5000 baht for the day-trip,'' said Khun Santi, who has been trying to end rip-offs and illegal activities among tour companies.
At a meeting on Phuket yesterday, 45 Chinese tour companies agreed to restrict the price they charge for the Phuket-Phi Phi day-trip to no more than 700 or 800 baht.
Three companies refused to agree to the deal.
Chinese tourists visiting Phuket should chose companies that do not rip them off and that provide adequate safeguards as well.
Beginning soon, all Chinese tourists arriving on Phuket will be handed brochures explaining the new, fair pricing levels.
''Under the old way that the Chinese tour operators worked, local businesses on Phuket derived no benefits,'' Khun Santi said.
Khun Santi said 5000 baht was a fair price for a one-day or two-day tour around half-a-dozen attractions on Phuket but not a fair payment for the Phuket-Phi Phi-Phuket trip.
Having asked for payment before the tourist leaves China, some tour companies then organise the lowest possible price for the day trip on Phuket and pocket the enormous profit, says the island's director of the Tourism and Sport Department, Santi Pawai.
''It's not unusual for the Chinese tour operators to charge their customers 3000 to 5000 baht for the day-trip,'' said Khun Santi, who has been trying to end rip-offs and illegal activities among tour companies.
At a meeting on Phuket yesterday, 45 Chinese tour companies agreed to restrict the price they charge for the Phuket-Phi Phi day-trip to no more than 700 or 800 baht.
Three companies refused to agree to the deal.
Chinese tourists visiting Phuket should chose companies that do not rip them off and that provide adequate safeguards as well.
Beginning soon, all Chinese tourists arriving on Phuket will be handed brochures explaining the new, fair pricing levels.
''Under the old way that the Chinese tour operators worked, local businesses on Phuket derived no benefits,'' Khun Santi said.
Khun Santi said 5000 baht was a fair price for a one-day or two-day tour around half-a-dozen attractions on Phuket but not a fair payment for the Phuket-Phi Phi-Phuket trip.
Chinese ripping off their own people.
Posted by Feisty Farang on October 28, 2014 14:19