Surat Thani: Authorities in the province are urging the Transport Ministry to build a new terminal for cruise ships on Koh Samui in order to boost the island's post-Covid economic recovery.
Governor Wichawut Jinto said the province will be welcoming cruise liners when tourism fully restarts, so the Marine Department should push ahead with its plan to build a cruise terminal on Koh Samui.
A feasibility study found the ideal location to be at Laem Hin Khom in tambon Taling Ngam, which has adequate depth to allow larger ships to dock, he said.
In 2018, the island saw 48 cruise ships from Europe and Singapore dock. Last year, 64 ships expressed an interest to stop over on the island, but the visits were ultimately cancelled as a result of the pandemic. Each ship can carry between 2,000-6,000 passengers.
When the province finally reopens to mass international tourism, Koh Samui, as one of the top destinations in the Gulf of Thailand, will need the facility to meet the increased demand, the governor said.
Currently, cruise ships must anchor off Koh Samui, with tourists shuttled to and from the island on smaller boats, which takes hours of valuable time, he said.
Mr Wichawut said based on the series of public hearings held by the Marine Department, the project is supported by local residents.
The governor also cited a 2015 survey conducted by the Tourism Council of Thailand which stresses the need for the development of a cruise terminal in the province.
According to the report, marine tourism generated 3.5 billion baht for the country that year.
He noted that tourism spending in Surat Thani averages at 12,132 baht per head per trip, second after Bangkok, which has average tourism spending of 12,454 baht.