PHUKET: An international triathlon in Patong will disrupt traffic in November but ''it's a small price to pay for such a big public event,'' a meeting heard today.
Mike Hall, Managing Director of Absolute Resorts and Hotels Asia Pacific, was speaking after talks with Phuket Governor Maitree Intusut and Deputy Sports and Tourism Minister, Senator Pichit Kawtachakub.
Absolute is the local sponsor of the world series ITU triathlon to be held on November 9 and November 10, in Patong.
Mr Hall said after talks at Phuket Provincial Hall in Phuket City that the daybreak start of the main event on the Sunday would make the event ''much less disturbing.''
The swimming segment of the race would take place in Patong Bay, with the 40 kilometre cycling segment on the road to Karon and back to Patong and the running segment around the Patong one-way system.
Traffic is likely to be subject to delays between 6.30am amd 8.30am with ''knock-on benefits'' from the event likely to come with the presence of 650 international competitors and their friends and families.
Triathlon was the third-fastest growing sport in the world at present behind golfing and sailing, Mr Hall said, adding that holding the event would be good for Patong's image.
The event was expected to add 2000 rooms in occupancy in Patong around the race dates.
Details of likely delays and alternative routes are expected to become available closer to the event.
Mike Hall, Managing Director of Absolute Resorts and Hotels Asia Pacific, was speaking after talks with Phuket Governor Maitree Intusut and Deputy Sports and Tourism Minister, Senator Pichit Kawtachakub.
Absolute is the local sponsor of the world series ITU triathlon to be held on November 9 and November 10, in Patong.
Mr Hall said after talks at Phuket Provincial Hall in Phuket City that the daybreak start of the main event on the Sunday would make the event ''much less disturbing.''
The swimming segment of the race would take place in Patong Bay, with the 40 kilometre cycling segment on the road to Karon and back to Patong and the running segment around the Patong one-way system.
Traffic is likely to be subject to delays between 6.30am amd 8.30am with ''knock-on benefits'' from the event likely to come with the presence of 650 international competitors and their friends and families.
Triathlon was the third-fastest growing sport in the world at present behind golfing and sailing, Mr Hall said, adding that holding the event would be good for Patong's image.
The event was expected to add 2000 rooms in occupancy in Patong around the race dates.
Details of likely delays and alternative routes are expected to become available closer to the event.
Swimming around in Patong bay, trying to avoid Jet-Skis, speedboats, floating garbage and feces may not necessarily be so good for the image of Patong after all.
Posted by Stephen on April 26, 2013 09:55