Thailand’s tourism industry has been growing steadily in recent years, and with it, the demand for convenient and reliable transportation. To cater to this demand, Central Pattana and Klook have teamed up to launch a new bus route that will operate between three major malls in Bangkok and Pattaya: Central World, Central Pattaya, and Central Village. The initiative aims to provide tourists with a convenient and hassle-free mode of transportation while also promoting Thailand’s tourism industry.
According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), in the first quarter of 2023, there were 6.4 million tourists, generating over 250 billion baht in tourism revenue for Thailand. The top five countries with the highest number of arrivals to Thailand include Malaysia, Russia, China, South Korea, and India. TAT predicts that Chinese tourists will soon top the list, with at least five million arrivals expected.
Bangkok remains the most popular destination among foreign tourists, followed by Pattaya, Chiang Mai, Krabi, and Phuket. The new bus route aims to cater to tourists’ demands, offering a convenient and secure booking process. “We want to provide our customers with an easy and fast booking process, convenience, and security,” said Nattakit Tangpoonsinthana, Vice President of the Marketing Division of Central Pattana Plc (CPN).
Tourists can easily purchase tickets online and reserve them for their travel day, provided they confirm their booking at least two hours before departure. Additionally, they can enjoy extra privileges at participating malls, such as a welcome package worth 3,000 baht if they become a member of The1 Tourist card. They can also receive a premium gift bag from Good Goods and two hours of free WiFi.
Customers can claim a complimentary herbal drink when making purchases worth 1,500 baht at participating malls, added Nattakit. The proposed bus route will connect Central World, Central Pattaya, and Central Village, with one round fare per person at 190 baht. For route and schedule information, which may be subject to change, tourists can visit the information desks at participating Central Malls.
The new bus route will offer several benefits to tourists, including easy access to some of the most popular malls in Bangkok and Pattaya. Central World, Central Pattaya, and Central Village are three of the largest malls in Thailand, offering a range of shopping, dining, and entertainment options for tourists. With the new bus route, tourists can easily visit all three malls in a single day, without worrying about transportation.
The new bus route is also expected to help ease traffic congestion in the cities. Traffic congestion is a major problem in Bangkok and Pattaya, especially during peak tourist season. The new bus route will provide tourists with a reliable and efficient mode of transportation, reducing the number of cars on the road and alleviating traffic congestion.
Moreover, the new bus route is expected to promote sustainable tourism in Thailand. As more tourists opt for public transportation, the demand for private cars and taxis is likely to decrease. This, in turn, will reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable tourism practices in Thailand.
The launch of the new bus route comes at a time when Thailand’s tourism industry is facing several challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted the industry, with many businesses struggling to stay afloat. However, with the launch of the new bus route, there is hope that the industry will be able to bounce back and recover from the pandemic.
In conclusion, the new bus route between Central World, Central Pattaya, and Central Village is a welcome addition to Thailand’s transportation infrastructure. It offers several benefits to tourists, including easy access to popular malls, convenience, and sustainability. The initiative is expected