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Published on October 3, 2007

The association's Chairat Trirattanajarasporn said it was asking for Bt10 million directly and other provincial bodies, such as the Rayong Chamber of Commerce, would seek an additional Bt20 million. Chairat said provincial groups would arrange many activities to attract visitors.

The year-long campaign is aimed at increasing awareness of the province and its scenery and shedding its image as an industrial zone.

The government has promoted the province as a location for heavy industry, and it is now home to industrial parks, oil refineries and shipping and rail hubs.

Chairat said the government poured money into these industries because they provided big returns compared with tourism.

Industry contributes 80 per cent of the area's annual revenue, or about Bt470 billion last year. Tourism added only Bt9.7 billion. Agriculture is another provincial earner.

Chairat said the province was home to more than 3,000 factories but that these generated few direct benefits for residents, while tourism and agriculture did.

He expressed concern that the building of a new coal-fired electricity plant would damage tourism's potential.

"Travellers will certainly have less confidence in the environment here. Rayong is known for having a lot of industry. We cannot stop this, but the association and its allies are talking with the government and the private sector to see whether we cannot agree on industry-free zones," he said.

At the same time, Rayong is encouraging manufacturers to open factory outlets, in order to transform the province into a destination for shoppers.

Chairat said average daily spending by visitors to Rayong was Bt700. The biggest spenders are those attending corporate seminars.

Most foreign visitors are from Europe, followed by Asians from Hong Kong and South Korea. International travel accounts for 20 per cent of all tourists.

There are 9,000 hotel rooms in Rayong, which should rise to 12,000 next year and 15,000 by 2010.

Political uncertainty, economic sluggishness and environmental protests have caused the province difficulties this year, Chairat said.

The travel industry was having a bright period until two months ago, when demonstrations against the coal-fired power plant escalated. This may flatten out revenue, he said.

Nevertheless, increased visitor numbers to nearby Pattaya generated more travel through and into Rayong. He expected a spurt in boutique hotels in the province.

Chairat owns the Tamnanpar Restaurant and Tamnanpar Natural Spa and is president of Canny Pacific, all in Rayong. He is also building a resort near his restaurant. The 80-room getaway is on 30 rai of forestland and near a waterfall and should open late next year.

It will be targeted at middle-market domestic tourists before being upgraded to tempt well-heeled visitors.

Best Western may be offered a management contract within the next few months. Chairat has yet to name the resort.

Nitida Asawanipont,

The Nation,

Rayong