The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) plans to organise the "Aqua Lumina, the Magical Lights of Andaman" event in the three popular Southern destinations in Thailand of Krabi, Phuket, and Phang-nga from 14 May to 12 June, 2022. The event will be the largest lighting festival in the country with the aim to stimulate the tourism industry in the Southern region of Thailand, as well as to attract both local and international tourists to recognise these destinations. It also aims to boost the local economy and support local companies in those areas.
H.E. Mr. Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Tourism and Sports and Chairman of the event said “The global COVID-19 pandemic situation is expected to be alleviated this year and many high-quality travellers from all over the world are looking forward to travelling overseas. Thailand as a tourism destination has a high potential for their visits; therefore, it is an important time for the country to demonstrate the ability to be a tourist industry champion by organising numerous events in various industries; such as, sports, arts, and culture along with international creative innovation, which has been acknowledged globally. Events like music festivals, sports contests, light and sound festivals, food festivals, and other recreational activities have successfully addressed the demands of a diverse variety of tourists.
Therefore, these events are expecting to help increase the travelling number of both Thai and foreign tourists, ensuring the continuity and stability of tourism industry operations across the supply chain; hotels, accommodation, airlines, transportation, retailers, restaurants, and tourism communities, as well as entrepreneurs in the creativity sectors, which includes the entertainment industry, performing arts, fashion, and Thai food. The events have continuously generated a total employment of at least 6.2 million people, which shows that tourism is a significant contributor to the country's economic stimulation in a fundamental level. For the "Aqua Lumina, the Magical Lights of Andaman" event, we estimate at least 90,000 tourists, both Thai and foreign, to attend the event, which will generate at least 700 million Baht."
Ms. Thapanee Kiatpaiboon Deputy Governor of Domestic Marketing Tourism Authority of Thailand said “The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) as a government agency that promotes tourism marketing has been entrusted with the government's policy of welcoming tourists from around the world. It is crucial to expedite public relations and develop tourism marketing promotion activities to earn the trust of visitors, both direct and indirect, particularly from domestic tourists for their return as soon as possible. While we are reestablishing travellers' trust and confidence, we also need to assist local businesses in the tourism industry and revitalize the local economy to be back to normal after the pandemic.
In this regard, TAT will organise the “Aqua Lumina”, the largest lighting festival in the country, which brings the excitement of light to the Southern region of Thailand. The event will provide a memorable moment for everyone to discover the land of the sea through three popular tourist destinations in the South; namely, Krabi, Phuket, and Phang-nga provinces. The main objective of the event is to encourage tourism in the Southern region by reminding travellers about these three provinces as destinations to visit in the period of May to June. The target groups of the event are families, the locals and people in the surrounding areas, as well as foreign visitors, which could help increase overnight stay rates and income for the provinces.
Starting the event in Krabi province, this will be held between 14-25 May, at the Royal Lanta Boat Museum and Lan Phra Athit, Krabi Provincial Administrative Organisation with the event venue covering around 30,000 square metres in size. Then, this will be followed by Phuket, which will take place between 20-31 May, at Nai Han Beach with an event space of over 12,000 square metres, and Phang-nga Province, which will take place between 27 May-12 June, at Memory Beach with an event area of over 14,000 square metres."
Mr. Puttipong Sirimat , Governor of Krabi Province said “Krabi has a mission to establish an ecotourism city in an international standard as well as a sustainable agricultural industry, liveable society, environmentally friendly, and adaptable to changing circumstances. Therefore, we are very proud to be chosen as Thailand's first tourism destination to kick off the rehabilitation of the tourism industry plan and to help stimulate the Thai economy.
The theme of the event is "The Land of Magical Creatures", which comes with spectacular lighting and sound systems. Visitors will enjoy roaming about and capturing photos with adorable underwater creatures embellished with beautiful lights and witnessing a spectacular display on project mapping aboard the Royal Lanta Boat Museum. In addition to the light and sound decoration, there will be various photo spots, stage performances by local bands, the Illuminated Nora Dance, a fire performance show on every Friday and Sunday, as well as over 20 food booths that will allow visitors to indulge and enjoy the atmosphere of the night. Therefore, I would like to invite everyone to visit Krabi and enjoy this lighting festival between 14-25 May, at the Royal Lanta Boat Museum.”
Mr. Narong Vunziew, Governor of Phuket said “To reinforce the acceptance of the Phuket Sandbox policy and to achieve the goal of reviving tourism and the economy of Thailand, Phuket has a great intention to organise and support this event at its best.
The event in Phuket comes with the grandest concept, the dazzling ‘Land of the Guardians of the Andaman’, which will be filled with light and sound for visitors to experience and enjoy various beautiful photography angles, along with the projection mapping show that will display vivid colours and patterns. There will also be special performances; such as, the illuminated Nora show or fire performance and local bands performances on Fridays and Saturdays. Moreover, there will be activity booths to let everyone appreciate the importance of the sea. Aside from the numerous activities, food trucks from prominent Phuket eateries will also be ready to serve all guests at the event. The festival will take place at Nai Han Beach from 20 to 31 May."
Miss Sasithorn Kittidhrakul President of Krabi Tourism Association said “As the development goal of Phang-nga Province is to be an ecotourism centre, sustainable agriculture learning society, liveable city, and city of happiness, there are five key drivers of the urgent development of Phang-nga city, which are career promotion, tourism enhancement, safety improvement, sports support, and cleanliness maintenance to help the province accomplish the goals. The event counts as one way to help us accomplish our goals.
In the part of Phang-nga Province, which is the final province of the event, the event features the concept of "Land of Dancing Waves" with techniques called MUSIC & ILLUMINATION, where visitors can enjoy and have fun taking photos of various shapes of waves, including the lights in the shape of coral under the sea. In addition to dazzling lights, there will be over 20 eateries, activities from various booths at the event, concerts by local artists, and a surprise hip-hop artist who will perform on stage until the very end to create a festive mood. The event will take place between 27 May- 12 June, at Memory Beach.”
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) cordially invites all Thais and foreigners to visit and enjoy this fantastic lighting festival, the “Aqua Illumination in Southern Thailand” in the three Southern provinces of Krabi, Phuket, and Phang-nga, from 14 May to 12 June, 2022.
