PHUKET: A top-level delegation from Hainan, the holiday island of China, dropped by on Phuket yesterday seeking guidance on how Hainan could also attract and hold international visitors in the manner of Phuket.
The relationship between the two holiday islands as ''sister cities'' stretches back 10 years and the visit was also to mark 40 years of diplomatic relations between China and Thailand.
Governor Nisit Jansomwong greeted the delegation, led by Luo Baoming, Secretary, Hainan Provincial Committee of the Communist Party of China, and Chairman, Standing Committee of Hainan Provincial People's Congress.
The group is visiting Thailand, Indonesia and Singapore as part of China's policy of strengthening connections with South East Asia.
Here's what Wikipedia has to say about Hainan:
Hainan, an island province of China and the nation's southernmost point, is known for its tropical climate, beach resorts and forested, mountainous interior. The southern city Sanya's many beaches range from popular, 22km-long Sanya Bay to crescent Yalong Bay and its quiet luxury hotels. Outside Sanya, the hilly hiking trails of Yanoda Rainforest Cultural Tourism Zone pass over suspension bridges and by waterfalls.
The relationship between the two holiday islands as ''sister cities'' stretches back 10 years and the visit was also to mark 40 years of diplomatic relations between China and Thailand.
Governor Nisit Jansomwong greeted the delegation, led by Luo Baoming, Secretary, Hainan Provincial Committee of the Communist Party of China, and Chairman, Standing Committee of Hainan Provincial People's Congress.
The group is visiting Thailand, Indonesia and Singapore as part of China's policy of strengthening connections with South East Asia.
Here's what Wikipedia has to say about Hainan:
Hainan, an island province of China and the nation's southernmost point, is known for its tropical climate, beach resorts and forested, mountainous interior. The southern city Sanya's many beaches range from popular, 22km-long Sanya Bay to crescent Yalong Bay and its quiet luxury hotels. Outside Sanya, the hilly hiking trails of Yanoda Rainforest Cultural Tourism Zone pass over suspension bridges and by waterfalls.
Hainan is 50x larger than Phuket with approx 30M tourists/ year based on real figures from the hotels. So doesn't count locals or residents using the airport.
It instituted visa on arrival for tour groups many years ago to increase tourism.
You are allowed to buy BHT40k duty free.
Yachts can stay for 183 days.
It became a separate province to better manage its affairs.
If anything, Phuket should look to Hainan for advice.
Posted by GiantFan on July 30, 2015 11:37