THE Thai Tourism and Sports Ministry is now laying out the red carpet for wheelchair-bound disabled tourists as this group is seen as a good niche market, the Thai-language daily Matichon reported today (April 25).
In revealing this new marketing strategy, Tourism and Sports Minister Weerasak Kowsurat shared photos of some disabled tourists diving at southern coastal Phang Nga province’s Similan islands and the Andaman Underwater Museum.
“Many people in the wheelchair group stayed as long as 59 days from November onward till today, and these days Phang Nga is welcoming wheelchair tourists every week.
“They seek a good quality of life and many of them have money saved, are disciplined and able to take care of their personal affairs.
“Some of them have a pension from the government but lack a place by the seaside or up in the mountains to holiday in.
“This is another niche market which I am trying to build up, only ramps, toilets and information about where they can find the amenities are needed,” Weerasak said.
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Top, in-text and below: Some disabled tourists diving in the Andaman sea off Phang Nga coast. Photo: Matichon
Further down: A crowded beach in Phang Nga. Photo: Matichon
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