TRAVEL TITBITS
KARNJANA KARNJANATAWE
The World Underwater Federation - also known as Confe'de'ration Mondiale des Activite's Subaquatiques (Cmas) - has for the first time chosen Phuket to host its annual summit; it will be held on the resort island next year from April 21 to 25.
Suwalai Pinpradab, director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand's southern office, said that at a conference held in May in Egypt, Cmas members chose Phuket over venues in four other countries. He attributed the decision both to the Kingdom's readiness to host an international event of this nature and to the fact that our Andaman coast boasts a number of pristine and easily accessible diving sites.
TAT expects some 500 companies from around the world to participate in the 2009 summit. It estimates that the domestic scuba- and skin-diving industry currently generates around three billion baht a year in revenue. The awarding of the Cmas summit to Phuket should result in a substantial boost in the income figure for 2009, Suwalai noted.
Founded in Brussels in September, 1958, Cmas is the world's oldest scuba-diving organisation.
Ferry fare to increase
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| Ko Racha Noi, a dive site near Phuket. |
The one-way adult fare on the ferry service between Krabi and Phi Phi Island is to rise from 350 baht to 450 baht, with effect from October 1.
According to Krabi governor Siva Sirisaovalak the increase, necessitated by the soaring price of petrol, was agreed after a three-hour meeting with ferry operators.
The new single fare for children is 200 baht.
In addition, the frequency of the ferry service will increase from two to eight trips a day.
Flying the flag in Paris
A contest is currently underway to find a Thai classical dancer, aged between nine and 12, to represent the Kingdom as a Thai Culture Junior Ambassador at a forthcoming tourism fair in Paris.
The winners from each of four regional heats (North, Northeast, Central Plains and South) will meet at the nationwide finals on June 14. The overall winner will receive a scholarship worth 20,000 baht and an all-expenses-paid trip to France from July 15 to 22.
Organised by the Nadtaka Institute, run by actress Woranut "Noon" Wongsawan, the contest has received support from Etihad Airways and 10 other sponsors.
For more information, visit http://www.thaiculturejr.com.
New US entry regulation
Starting in January next year, nationals of countries which currently do not require a visa to visit the United States will have to register their biographical details online at least three days before travelling.
The US Department of Homeland Security is introducing the so-called Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) as part of its Visa Waiver Programme. The measure is designed to further boost that nation's security by giving the department information about the identity of people who intend to travel to the US prior to their actual arrival.
The new rule will impact business people and travellers from a total of 27 countries, mostly from western Europe. Nations in this part of the world which will be affected include Brunei, Japan, New Zealand and Singapore.
In August the Department of Homeland Security will start accepting voluntary applications through the ESTA web site (https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov). Full enforcement of the rule will start in January, 2009.
Travellers who currently need to apply for visas to enter the US will not be affected.
For more information, visit http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/idvisa/esta/
Laguna Phuket Marathon
Some 5,000 athletes are expected to have signed up for the 3rd Laguna Phuket International Marathon by the time it kicks off this Sunday.
Already registered are a total of 3,350 individuals from Thailand, Singapore, Japan, Malaysia, Hong Kong and the United Kingdom. Runners from Phuket and nearby provinces are expected to register at the expo which will be held in the two days prior to the event.
In addition to the main event, a 42km marathon, a half-marathon (21km), 10.5km run, 5km walk and 2km "Kids Run" are also being held.
Visit http://www.phuketmarathon.com for more information.
If you have any comments or news to share, email karnjanak@bangkokpost.co.th
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