PHUKET: The province's business community took the first step towards reviving the island's hard-hit tourism sector by launching the "Amazing Thailand Phuket Surfskate Series 2021" over the weekend.
Bhumikitti Ruktaengam, the president of Phuket's tourism business association, said the event, which debuted in the island's Old Town quarters on Saturday, is the first of its kind to be held this year.
The sport was chosen to kickstart the province's effort to revive its tourism sector due to its rising popularity, and Phuket is well-poised to tap into the growing demand.
"After domestic tourism took another hit from the second wave of Covid-19, we thought about adding more vibrant activities to revive the sector," he said.
"There is strong demand for surfskating, and the island has just the right places for such activities."
The launch event was held at Lan Mangkorn in Phuket's Old Town, but the rest of the series will be held at the island's popular beaches -- Karon Beach will host the next event on May 23, Patong Beach on Aug 14, and Surin Beach on Nov 13.
The Amazing Thailand Phuket Surfskate Series 2021 is among efforts made by local business to attract tourists back to the island with support from the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Phuket's administrative organisation and Thailand Surfing Federation.
Next up, the provincial administration will host a Seafood Festival on March 26-28, and Phuket Night Run on April 4-6.
With vaccines being rolled out worldwide, businesses in Phuket hope that the government will allow vaccinated foreign tourists to enter without having to quarantine by October, he said.
