Thailand’s tourism minister has announced a significant investment in the country’s cruise industry and large scale airport expansion. Speaking at World Travel Market, Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul said the government will build three new ports in Krabi, Ko Samui and Surat Thani, from next year, and upgrade the Phuket port. She said the government will launch a five-year plan of social and economic development in the country next year, “recognising that tourism is one of its priority economic sectors”. “We are now focussing on enhancing visitor expenditure rather than growing visitor numbers, so we need to provide value-added products and services, motivating visitors to stay longer and spend more,” said Wattanavrangkul. Credit and view full story at Travel Weekly