Facilities
Most Middle Eastern tourists prefer to stay in hotels rather than in any other types of accommodation. Thus, it is
recommended that the hotels should be located in a safe environment without pollution. Moreover, a place for
prayer should be provided with a sign of Qibla direction, (The direction of Mecca – to the west of Thailand).
Furthermore, pets should not be allowed in the hotel area. In addition, the toilets for ladies and gentlemen should be
separated with the use of a toilet hose provided inside. Apart from that, hair dryers should be provided, beds and
toilets should be put in the right position, which do not turn towards the Qibla. Inappropriate pictures should not be
allowed in the room. Prayer rooms should be provided in public places with separated toilets for ladies and
gentlemen. The toilets must be clean. Aside from facilities responding to the performing of religious activities of
Islam, Middle Eastern tourists prefer to have WIFI internet access at tourist attraction areas so that the tourists will
be able to comfortably communicate with their friends and families wherever they may be.
Transportation
Tourist attractions are often far away from Phuket city centre, and that makes it difficult for the tourists to travel
around. Some do not come by or purchase a package tour with a travel agency. As a consequence, Middle Eastern
tourists suggested that the state agency should provide tourists with public transport that they will be able to travel
on, to and from the tourist attractions conveniently and at a reasonable price.
Public relations
There are precious few public relationship exercises with the tourists from Middle Eastern countries that understand
the way of setting up activities that deal with health tourism in Phuket. Accordingly, Middle Eastern tourists
recommended that people associated with health tourism in Phuket should do public relations exercises in health
tourism so that the number of the tourists from Middle Eastern countries will increase in the near future.
Information technology
Data access concerned with Phuket and all tourist attractions can be accessed easily. However, information
regarding health tourism should be added to, because the information on the internet is now quite sparse.
Souvenirs
There is a low number of souvenirs associated with health tourism. Moreover, Middle Eastern tourists lack
confidence in bargaining for lower prices and worry whether they can get a reasonable price or not. Especially for
the souvenirs in the form of food. The food products should also be labelled be with the Halal sign if applicable.
4.3 Guidelines on health tourism management for Middle Eastern tourists in Phuket.
A group of authors have brought data to synthesize with people who are involved in health tourism program for
Middle Eastern tourists in Phuket