A LARGE tour operator in China will open charter flights to bring Chinese tourists to Koh Samui and Koh Phangan starting July, an official of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, said.
Phanu Woramit, TAT regional director in Suratthani, said the Canton Nanher International Travel Service, a leading tour agency in China, will bring in Chinese tourists directly from Guangzhou to Samui and Phangan. The first charter flight, according to him, is scheduled to arrive in July and will continue until February next year. Later the charter flights would be increased to two per month, he added.
The tour package, lasting for four to five days each trip, will enable Chinese tourists to relax in the island beaches and enjoy the local culture, Thai cuisine and Thai fruits.
“It is a good opportunity for the tourism business on Koh Samui as it is a chance to promote the tourist attractions of the island during their visit and put up various activities and festivals to establish a good impression for the visitors,” Phanu said.
If the charter flights turn out to be successful, the flight frequency would be increased to four trips a month, he said.
Not only family and senior groups are targeted but also honeymooning couples.
Previously, direct charter flights from Scandinavian and other European countries greatly helped in increasing the number of tourists on Koh Samui and Koh Phangan.
Phanu believes that the charter flights from China would help hotel and other tourism-related business owners to survive the hard times.
