Volume 14, Issue 21
16 - 31 July 2015
30 BAHT
What’s Inside:
Rebranding Pattaya Tourism
P
attaya is one of five cities chosen by the coup-installed government to rebrand Thai tourism. According to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the Eastern Seaboard city is to be transformed into a world-class sports and family destination. As regards the four other cities, Bangkok is to be rebranded a World Heritage River Cruise Destination, Nan will become a cyclist-friendly safe-town and haven for the elderly, whilst Phuket will specialize in premium cruises and conventions and exhibitions. Koh Phangan will continue to be a fun place for the young, full-moon parties included. Visitor arrivals in Pattaya peaked in 2013 with more than 10 million people generating 100 billion baht from tourism-related activities. Overall numbers have declined since then by about 30 percent. Particularly hard-hit have been the Russian and European markets, although the decline has been offset to some extent by
the continuing influx of Chinese tourists. Turning Pattaya into a worldclass sports destination is already an aim of the Pattaya City administration. The resort hosts annually the Singha Pattaya Open in tennis as well as the Bike Week Festival and the popular Pattaya Marathon. Last year it played host to the Women’s International Beach Volleyball Championship and has a selection of sports including golf, jet-skiing, yachting and car racing. At a more sedentary level there are chess facilities and, uniquely in Thailand, two international bridge clubs. Tourism and Sports Minister Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul said, “Pattaya stands out as a leader in water sports, hosting several competitions and training camps for national athletes. It is suitable to be developed further with its many facilities, top-class hotels and increasing family-orientated
Continued on page 4 Close start line action on Top of the Gulf Regatta 2015 held at Ocean Marina Yacht Club, Jomtien, Pattaya
photo by Guy Nowell