New Airport Required At Phang Nga Say Tourist Operators

An area of Thailand that has seen a huge surge in tourist over the years, is in need of a new airport to facilitate the influx of visitors, according to hotel and tourist operators.

Phang Nga Province on the Andaman coast has seen a marked increase in visitors to the area with many saying that the area needs its own airport as numbers increase. President of the Phang Nga Tourism Association, Nantida Atiset said now is the time for the government to permit investors to construct a new airport in the province.

At present, tourists wishing to travel to the region must fly to Phuket or Krabi, before driving for an hour or so to reach their destination. It is claimed that both airports are currently operating over capacity.

Phang Nga attracts over four million visitors per annum, with hotels, restaurants, bars and a variety of tourist based businesses reaping the benefits. Visitors are also remaining in the area longer than ever before, up from 2.4 days to almost 7 days on average.

Bill Barnett, Managing Director of C9 Hotelworks, said "with so many visitors, Phang Nga is facing difficulties because of crowded skies at Phuket airport.

"Despite its expansion, Phuket airport has already exceeded its stated capacity.

"The Province desperately needs a gateway airport. It will benefit not only Phang Nga Province but also Phuket's tourism sector".

Will the government endorse the popularity of this tourist hot spot and permit a new airport to be constricted? Let's hope so.

Source: Bangkok Post Content: TPVS