SURAT THANI, Thailand – The luxury cruise ship Coral Princess brought 1,800 American tourists and 800 crew members to Koh Samui, injecting life into the island’s tourism and local economy during the low season.
On October 19, the Coral Princess anchored off Baan Nathon Bay in Koh Samui, bringing tourists from Europe and the U.S. on a stopover from Singapore. Tourists disembarked to explore the island, visit local attractions, and shop, providing a much-needed boost to local businesses. Local authorities, including tourist police, marine police, and Koh Samui police, were on hand to ensure the safety and convenience of the visitors.
The atmosphere at the pier was lively, with buses and tour vehicles ready to take tourists to various attractions across the island. The influx of visitors helped stimulate the local economy, benefiting transport operators and tourism businesses on the island.
Ms. Nitharat Vanichcharoen, Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Samui Office, stated that the tourists spent the entire day on a one-day trip around the island and were scheduled to return to the ship before 5 p.m. The cruise will then continue its journey to its next destination in the United States. She noted that the arrival of the cruise ship has brightened the atmosphere on Koh Samui and positively impacted local businesses, including restaurants, car rentals, and tourist attractions. Most of the tourists arriving during this time are from Europe, contributing to the island’s vibrant economy.
