| The Chamber of Commerce in Thailand's southern resort province of Phuket today announced a raft of plans to revive the island's struggling tourism industry, including international sporting and beauty contests.
Describing the island's post-tsunami tourism situation as 'appalling', the chamber's chairman, Mr. Iem Thawornwongwong, said that the chamber was helping local bids to restore visitor numbers.
Included in the chamber's plans are support for international sporting competitions, and activities relating to the international Miss Universe contest later this month.
Other events include Miss Teen Thailand in October.
Mr. Iem expressed confidence that the events would help publicize the island's reputation as a safe tourism destination and boost visitor numbers, which have plummeted since the tsunami hit the country's southern Andaman provinces, including Phuket, on 26 December last year.
By: MCOT, Thailand
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