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Thailand has been leading the charge in tourism growth this year, with
arrivals in April up by 35 percent. The figures show a strong recovery
from the 2010 political unrest that kept tourists away. Southeast
Asia overall grew by 15 percent in the same month despite seeing fewer
tourists from Japan, a major source of visitors to the region that was
hit by a massive earthquake in March. A rebound in arrivals from
Europe and an increase in travel to the region by Chinese tourists
fuelled the growth. Double-digit growth in arrivals was also reported
by Vietnam (+22%), Myanmar (+21%), Singapore (+17%) and Cambodia
(+11%) for the month of April. (Source: PATA)

The Navy League of Phuket is putting on a big day of fun to celebrate
the US Independence Day holiday on July 2 at Headstart International
School in Kathu. Families of all nationalities are welcome to join in
and enjoy some American style food, beer and a host of activities
including games for the kids, magic shows, American car and motorcycle
displays and live music.
 
The event runs from 10am to 7pm with free entry for all. Visit
www.navyleaguephuket.org for more information.

Phuket foodies are flocking to Phuket Central Festival this week to
sample some of the island's best gastronomic offerings in the shopping
centre's Wine and Food Festival. Free samples, vouchers and discount
coupons are being offered by a number of Phuket's best-known
restaurants and fine food outlets.
 
The event is being held daily on Central's main floor until June 29.
Visit www.centralfestivalphuket.com for more information.

Phuket beach goers are about to see a colourful spectacle in the sky
with the launch of the annual Phuket Fun Fly paragliding competition
today in the hills near Nai Harn Beach. Today (June 23) is an open
'free fly' day, while the competition starts tomorrow. The action
continues through till June 26.
 
Visit www.phuketparagliding.com for more information.

By the end of the year, Phuket shoppers at all major retailers and supermarkets will need to start bringing their own bags, or pay extra for the plastic bags provided in the store. Tesco-Lotus recently signed a memorandum of understanding with the Phuket provincial authorities to agree to start charging for bags -- the last of the major shops in Phuket to do so.
 
The plastic-bag agreement is being welcomed by those who have raised concerns about the fast-expanding island province's ability to cope with its growing amount of waste. (Source: The Phuket News)

Those who wish to hone their skills in capturing Phuket's beach beauty
in pictures will be heading to Central Festival Phuket shopping centre
this week to join the photo shooting workshop led by expert
photographer Khun Bee Prerapong Leawrakwong at the Canon Professional
Fair. Also attending the fair is Thai actress Apitchaya 'Ice'
Kraekongka. The photo course's theme is 'Beauty on the Beach'.
 
The fair runs from June 16-22 in Central's 1st Grand Hall. For more
information visit www.centralfestivalphuket.com or call +66 (0)76
291111.

Phuket golf fans will have the chance to see some professional level
of play action at the second Phuket Pro-Am Invitational golf
tournament, taking place on June 17 at Laguna Phuket Golf Club. Thirty
touring golf pros are set to join the event and lend their support to
the Phuket Has Been Good To Us Foundation. The Foundation is hoping to
raise one million baht, with proceeds going to its educational
programs and activities to help the children of Phuket.

Phuket's culinary delights may soon gain worldwide recognition if the hopes of local leaders in making the island an official UNESCO City of Gastronomy are fulfilled. The Mayor of Phuket City, Khun Somjai Suwansupana, said in a ceremony unveiling the promotion said, "Every year, there are a lot of tourists coming to Phuket. The city has its unique cultures, traditions, and especially cuisines. The local dishes are made from local ingredients. They are the perfect blend between the eating cultures of the multinationals living together on the island. Moreover, the fresh seafood and friendly service from the locals are the highlight of Phuket cuisine as well. All of these are factors as to why Phuket should be proposed as the City of Gastronomy by UNESCO."

Those hoping to catch a rare sneak peek into a traditional Phuket wedding should visit Phuket's Old Town tomorrow morning (June 11), when several local couples of Baba Pernankan (Straits Chinese) origin will be celebrating their marriage in colourful style. The mass wedding event will start at the Governor's Mansion on Narisorn Road, then couples beautifully dressed in full traditional wedding attire will join a procession through the streets. The parade will go along Thalang Road and arrive at the Thai Hua Museum at noon. An evening celebration will be held at the Hongyok Mansion on Thepkrasattri Road.