‘Thai diving ban will not affect UK tourism,’ says Premier Holidays
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Thailand’s decision to ban divers and tourists from its coral reefs will not stop Brits travelling to the country, according to Premier Holidays. The tour operator has claimed that most UK travellers head to the resorts in the Andaman Sea for beaches, scenery and culture rather than diving. “The proposed diving ban in Thailand will likely raise popular opinion that tourism will suffer to the resorts on the side of the Andaman Sea on Thailand’s west coast. The ban, though, is designed to stop ‘bleaching’ of the coral, which occurs when it becomes stressed and dies,” explained David Carlaw, head of faraway product at Premier Holidays. “We do not feel that UK tourism to Thailand will suffer, as the country offers picture perfect beaches and breathtaking scenery, at a fraction of the price of other faraway tropical locations. We send thousands of clients back to the destination year after year, who are drawn by its fabulous cuisine and beautiful temples.” Thailand announced last week that it would close 22 sites across seven marine parks in an attempt to stop bleaching the coral. Reports have also suggested that the government will close sites indefinitely when there is more than 80 percent bleaching. “We respect this initiative to support and conserve Thailand’s natural marine environment and are confident our customers will too,” added Carlaw. Diving sites in Similan, Phi Phi, Tarutao, Chao Mai, Chumphon, Phetra and Surin will be closed, although other parts of the national parks will remain open.
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