“Samui Island Marathon HRH Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Princess Cup 2012” was organized to boost tourism in Koh Samui and attract more tourists in the region to travel to Thailand, choosing Koh Samui as a destination.
Bangkok Airways, in collaborations with the Athletic Association of Thailand, and Tourism Association of Koh Samui, has for the third time held a marathon to promote tourism and create more income for locals in Samui Island. Koh Samui or Samui Island is renowned as one of the world’s most beautiful island.
According to Mr. Tanongsak Somwong, Tourism Association of Koh Samui President, since last year marathon event, Koh Samui has seen a 15 percent growth in its tourism segment, which he said was a success. This year’s event is hoped to further uplift the local economy and draw in more tourists from around the world.
The marathon competition was divided into 5 categories, full marathon, half marathon, quarter marathon, student marathon, and Fun Run, with over 200 prizes and awards given to winners. Over 1,800 athletes throughout the world participated in the competition.
The race is the highest in terms of prizes among the Princess Cup marathons ever held in Thailand, and is internationally sanctioned by the Asian Athletics Association.
The president also added that the event would help promote Samui Island and attract more Thai and foreign visitors during the low season in order to boost the income in the tourism sectors, including hotels, restaurants, and souvenir shops from tourists who come to Samui during the off-season period.
Not to mention the natural beauty, Koh Samui has plenty of other attractions such as Grandfather Rock and Grandmother Rock. These two famous rock formations look like the male and female genitalia, respectively.
Another attraction is Wat Phra Yai, meaning “Big Buddha Temple”. At the top of the temple, stands a towering Buddha statue, surrounded by sacred bells.
In conclusion, more people around the world will get to know Koh Samui through this marathon event, held by Bangkok Airways. It will make Samui a destination for more travelers visiting Thailand. For more information, visit www.bangkokair.com
