Blessed with breathtaking natural scenery, rivers and waterfalls, Kanchanaburi, bordering Burma and laced heavily with World War II history, has designated 2006 "Visit Kanchanaburi Year" to resurrect its tourism industry.
Not long ago the province placed among the top five in terms of popularity among local and foreign tourists but last year it slipped four places in national rankings, according to a Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) survey.
The "Visit Kanchanaburi Year" tourism campaign is a determined attempt by the province to regain its rightful place among the tourist destinations of Thailand, said Jumbo Chatupornpaisarn who heads a group of local tour operators.
"Kanchanaburi used to consistently rank in the top-five of the most visited destinations in the Kingdom, but it has slowed the last few year. We think it's time we made a comeback," said Jumbo.
Nine private tourism-related organisations in Kanchanaburi have joined hands with TAT to plan tourist activities for next year for which state funding will also be sought. A spate of media and marketing promotions will be carried out locally and overseas to attract visitors.
They will seek to improve upon its current reputation _ a destination for budget travellers _ by highlighting its historical and ecotourism potential to attract more upscale travellers for a bigger slice of the tourist revenue.
"The whole orientation has to change. Kanchanaburi has much more to offer visitors _ culture, history, nature, trekking and rafting aside, it has beautiful golf courses. And it's not far from Bangkok. We want to attract more middle to upper class visitors," Jumbo said.
The aim is to give Kanchanaburi an image on par with Khao Yai and Kaeng Krachan national parks, both renowned for nature-based tourism.
Jumbo and her colleagues have also teamed up with the Thai Ecotourism & Adventure Travel Association to draw up plans for the "Visit Kanchanaburi Year" promotional campaign.
Bangkok Post June 2005 www.bangkokpost.com
Jarunee Taemsamran
