By The Songkhla Tourism Association is advocating for government intervention to enhance tourism in the province. Their proposal includes the construction of a cruise ship terminal and the introduction of direct flights from Chinese cities to Hat Yai. President of the Songkhla Tourism Promotion Association, Songchai Mungprasithichai, announced plans to seek government support for direct flights to Hat Yai, proposing routes such as Kunming-Hat Yai to attract more Chinese tourists to the province. Additionally, the association is pushing for greater investment in nautical transportation, including a cruise terminal in the Gulf of Thailand. This terminal aims to alleviate road congestion along the Thai-Malaysian border between Sadao district and Bukit Kayu Hitam in Malaysia while promoting tourism growth in Songkhla and neighboring regions like Koh Samui, Krabi, and Phuket. The initiative aims to safeguard the tourism sector in Songkhla, particularly Hat Yai, from potential downturns as visitor numbers from Malaysia and Singapore have declined during recent rainy seasons.
Direct Flights and Nautical Transportation
The Songkhla Tourism Association’s proposal focuses on two key aspects:
- Direct Flights: Seeking government support for direct flights to Hat Yai, with proposed routes connecting Chinese cities like Kunming. These flights aim to attract more Chinese tourists to Songkhla.
- Cruise Terminal: Advocating for investment in a cruise terminal in the Gulf of Thailand. This terminal would benefit Songkhla’s tourism business, especially as cruises to Koh Samui in Surat Thani pass through the Gulf of Thailand in Songkhla. Foreign visitors on cruises often have high purchasing power, making this an attractive proposition for the province.
Local businesses in the region are eager for alternative transport options and a wider range of international tourists visiting the area. The initiative aims to boost tourism, improve connectivity, and create economic opportunities for the province and its neighboring regions.