THE Tourism Authority of Thailand
(TAT) wants the travel trade to
see Pattaya, widely referred
to as the ‘sex capital of the world’,
through new eyes.
Pataraporn Sithivanich, executive
director – Europe, Africa and Middle
East regions of TAT, told TNW that,
while Pattaya had an infamous
history, it was no longer what it once
was, and she therefore encourages
South African tourists seeking an
off-the-beaten-path experience to
visit. “While the mainstream cities
of Bangkok and Phuket remain
popular among South Africans,
there are some tourists who seek a
less commercial holiday. Secondary
cities such as Pattaya are ideal
destinations for these travellers to
visit.” She adds that Chiang Mai,
Chiang Rai and Rayong are also
gaining popularity as uncommercial
holiday destinations among South
African tourists.
Tanes Petsuwan, deputy governor
of international marketing for
long-haul markets of TAT, says
Pattaya has undergone a huge
transformation. In addition to
the upgrade of the airport, the
construction of new highways and
the new cruise facilities at Satahip
Commercial Port, Pattaya has also
recently welcomed elegant new
hotels, resorts, shopping malls and
restaurants.
Chatupornpaisar Buranakan,
owner of Thailand-based destination
management company, Jumbo Travel
& Events, explains that Pattaya
offers several unique tours that
highlight the history and culture of
the city.
One example is a tour through the
coconut plantations, where tourists
meet at the home of a couple
who produce and locally distribute
coconut products such as coconut
oil, coconut milk and coconut water.
After sipping on freshly brewed
coconut coffee and learning about
the history of the plantations, guests
then set off on bicycles to explore
the lush green plantations first-hand.
The tour finishes with a cooking
class in the home of a local Thai
woman in the coconut plantations.
Chatupornpaisar also recommends
a tour to the local fishing village.
After a walk through the old streets
of northern Pattaya, the tour visits
the local fish market, then on to the
harbour where guests are taught
by a local fisherman how to make
fishing nets. The fisherman then
takes tourists on a small fishing
boat to a nearby private island to
enjoy a seafood party. It is held at
the oldest bungalow in Pattaya and
tourists are treated to a variety of
freshly caught seafood cooked in
front of them – think cowfish deepfried
in a crispy batter, fried rice with
prawns, deep-fried crab cakes and
fire-grilled prawns.
Travel agents, however, think
Pattaya will be a tough sell.
Tracey Visscher of Flightsite, says
while Pattaya has a lot to offer,
South Africans are unfamiliar with
the destination and it therefore may
take a lot of convincing to sell.
However, Venice Barris of Travel
Vision feels that Pattaya may
be an appealing destination to
experienced Thailand holidaymakers
as it offers something completely
different to the mainstream cities.
Vivienne Mellows of Thompsons
Holidays adds that having an array
of properties by trusted hotel groups
in Pattaya may make the destination
easier to sell and give agents who
have not travelled there themselves
peace of mind when selling it.
Examples of such hotel groups are
Centara, Mövenpick, Hilton and
Hard Rock.
A fresh take on Pattaya
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