Krabi:– Garbage and wastewater problems are threatening Krabi’s status as a dream destination among Scandinavians.
A major tour agency based in Scandinavia has already complained about the problems directly with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).
“Our office in Stockholm has received the complaint about how tourists are afraid of splashing in the sea because of wastewater,” Wiyada Srirangkul, who heads TAT Krabi Office, said on Tuesday.
She added that Scandinavian tourists, who have visited Krabi lately, were also unhappy with foul smell from garbage piles around tourist sites.
According to the agency, the problems have existed both in Ao Nang area and on Phi Phi Island.
“There are many cancellations of bookings. This has significantly affected Krabi’s tourism,” Wiyada said, “Scandinavians have high purchasing power and they usually make a long stay”.
Krabi’s tourism may face even bigger impacts soon. Many other tour agencies have now planned to inspect the province’ tourist sites after hearing about the problems.
“They will come around the middle of May. So, we have to solve the problems fast,” Wiyada said.
Europeans, particularly Scandinavians, are the main tourist group in Krabi. If they stop coming, the southern province will definitely suffer a big blow.
TAT has already raised this issue with Krabi governor, who vows to stop the discharge of wastewater into the sea and improve garbage collection.
Wiyada said she would also ask for help from various agencies in a bid to solve these big problems.