Himalayan News Service

Kathmandu, February 16:

The commencement of Phuket Air’s (PA) flight to Nepal, beginning March 9, is expected to help increase tourist traffic between Nepal and Thailand, tourism and airlines experts opined at a function held to inform the public about PA new plans.

Speaking at the function, Thai ambassador to Nepal, Phenchome Incharoensak said since Nepal and Thailand share a special bond of friendship for long, the start of PA’s flight here would increase the number of tourists visiting both the countries. She said that the flight would open doors in various areas of cooperation between South East Asia and South Asia. As Thailand is an attractive destination for tourists, it will be a milestone in the area of aviation industry for boosting tourism industry, said ambassador Incharoensak. The flights, three days a week, will increase activities in the areas of education, tourism, medicine, trade and business, adding to our existing relationship for the betterment of our economies, she said.

Speaking at the same function, Tek Bahadur Dangi, chief executive officer of Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), said that at a time when the demand for airlines is increasing, PA’s arrival would boost tourist movement, which will support both the countries in reviving their tourism industry. Nepal and Thailand have many commonalities, which will further give a boost to our efforts in strengthening regional tourism, said Dangi.

Tourist arrivals from Thailand to Nepal has increased to 10,000 this year from an earlier 4000, which is a substantial increment, he said. He commented that the Nepal government has given a high priority to regional tourism development.

Khun Kanin Phuvastien, senior vice-president of Phuket Airlines Co Ltd, at the same function said that PA’s flight between Kathmandu-Bangkok and Dubai is a major step forward in tourism cooperation between the countries of Thailand and Nepal.

PA is a leading private Thai airline that is successfully expanding its reach to international destinations and Kathmandu is the fifth international destination which fulfils our goal of becoming a leading Asian airline, he said.

Somchai Leetapawang, deputy director of Sales of Phuket Airlines Co Ltd, said that PA will fly thrice weekly from Bangkok to Kathmandu connecting people, cultures and hearts. He said that Thailand is a predominantly Buddhist nation and all Thais feel a strong affinity for Nepal, the birthplace of Lord Buddha.

He said that it is a dream of many Thais to experience the tranquil atmosphere of the garden at Lumbini, visit the source of holy Ganges River and catch a glimpse of the magnificent peak of Mt Everest.

Gurans Travel and Tours is the GSA of PA for Nepal.