PHUKET VS PATTAYA U-tapao Airport Gears To Grow

The eastern seaboard tourism hub is looking to expand with plans announced to rename the Chonburi located gateway as U-tapao-Pattaya International Airport. A THB 995 million expansion plan calls for a three year upgrade including a new passenger terminal, increased aircraft bays and internal infrastructure developments.

While airlinks remain limited with Bangkok Airways connecting to Koh Samui and Phuket, expectations are for over 200 charter flights set to arrive in 2010.

Pattaya has continued to up its ante in new tourism products including Grand Centara and Holiday Inn recently opening new hotels.