The contribution of tourism to foreign exchange from year to year increases. This is reflected in rankings which show the structure of Indonesian exports in the last two years the position of the tourism sector has increased significantly. According to the Head of the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), Dr. Rusman Heriawan, the tourism sector from year to year will be more reliable. How does the position of tourism in the future? News taken from balipost for Bali Villas
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Shattering the calm of a warm afternoon in the Samui township of Lamai, two vans prowl the streets with loudpeakers espousing the delights of two beach parties organised by the rival Ark and Reggae clubs, promising music and fun lasting until 2am.
It’s a reminder that while Koh Samui in recent years has climbed to the top end of Thailand’s tourism market juts like Phuket , it still caters to the backpackers and budget travellers who in the 1970s first “discovered” the then-undeveloped island, on the Gulf of Thailand 700km south of Bangkok.
Non-fancy accommodation is still available around Samui from around 400 baht ($A14) a night, but on and around the cliffs overlooking the sea is now a growing warren of resorts with matchless views, five-star furnishings, exquisite cuisines and infinity swimming pools – at umpteen times the cost.
And these deluxe havens of privacy are attracting more and more attention from the ranks of the rich and famous.
American singer Britney Spears was reported staying at one of the newer resorts during our recent visit, and we were told that British soccer star David Beckham has invested in a million-dollar villa here. Continue reading
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PHUKET- Is Phuket ready to give Bangkok a run for its money as the top tourist draw Thailand?
Australians are among those who appear to think so.
Last month, Pacific Blue launched direct service from Perth to Phuket.
This month V Australia launched non-stop flights from Melbourne.
And next week, Jetstar adds two more services per week from Sydney to Phuket, bringing the carrier’s total number of services per week to five during the busy December and January period.
“Phuket is a perennial favorite among Aussies as an international holiday destination,” said Simon Westaway, Jetstar’s head of corporate relations.
“Adding an additional Saturday and Sunday service makes it all the more accessible.”
Jetstar isn’t stopping with Sydney, either. From December 15, Jetstar Asia launches a twice-daily service from Singapore — services that will connect through to Jetstar’s existing daily Perth-Singapore service.
“I’m not surprised these airlines have commenced direct service to Phuket,” said Craig Fong, director of sales and marketing for Mövenpick Resort & Spa Karon Beach Phuket, site of the inaugural Asia Connect Thailand regional hospitality conference last week.
“I think they all would have started sooner if not for the global economic crisis and domestic political issues last year, which carried forward into this year.
“However, the situation is much more stable and you can see demand is returning to pre-crisis levels. With direct service at the right price point now too, Phuket is poised to realise big gains.”
Traditionally, Phuket’s hotels have relied on major tour wholesalers for their Australian business.
“The online channel represents a substantial opportunity moving forward but you can’t underscore enough the resilience and influence of the major wholesalers,” said Fong.
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