Sirima Eamtako, TTG
Asia
Thailand is expecting the resumption of turnaround visits
by international cruise liners next year, after a few seasons of absence due
to political instability in the country.
According to Jumpol Chadavadh, managing director of
Princess Cruises’ local ground handler, Regale International Travel, the
cruise liner has scheduled its Diamond Princess for turnarounds in Thailand
in October and November next year. The other cruise liners are also
intending to make turnarounds in Thailand.
“Bangkok is the hub due to direct air access with all
geographic regions,” said Jumpol, adding that over the past few years,
international cruise liners were forced to re-route their turnaround visits
to neighboring countries, due to Bangkok’s airport closure in end-2008 and
political turmoil last May.
However, cruise liners either retained or increased their
callings at Thai ports, which explained the double-digit growth in the
number of cruise passengers handled by Regale during this year and last.
Cruise turnaround visits are significant, as each
consists of both a pre- and post-passenger boarding of one- to three-nights
stay in the country. The majority of clients for turnaround cruises in
Thailand are from Europe, Australia and the US.
