Phuket banks on roadshow to attract more Saudis

PHUKET: Tour operators are pinning their hopes on a campaign in Saudi Arabia to persuade more Saudis to take their vacation on the resort island of Phuket. Thaneth Tantipiriyakij, the Phuket Tourist Association president, said on Tuesday travel agencies and operators in the Middle East country were keen in promoting Phuket to their clients. He hoped the interest would result in a rise in Saufdi visitors. The association was on the road to publicise Phuket in Jeddah on Jan 14 and Riyadh on Jan 16, as part of a two-country visit that includes Oman. The number of tourists from Saudi Arabia has risen since the two countries restored full diplomatic relations last year. In 2023, 178,113 holiday makers from Saudi…