Krabi, 13 April, 2014
– The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is working in cooperation
with the Krabi Provincial Administration, Railay Rock Climbing Club,
Krabi Tourism Association and various local tourism operators to jointly
arrange and host the “6th Krabi Rock and Fire International Contest”
from 21 to 23 April, 2014, at Railay Beach and Tonsai Bay, Mueang district.
Mr.
Thawatchai Arunyik, TAT Governor said, “This event is the biggest rock
climbing competition in Thailand. It takes place annually at the
stunning Railay Beach, which is world-renowned as one of the most
amazing locations for warm weather climbers and has recently been named
by TripAdvisor as one of Asia’s top-ten beautiful beaches. Once again,
this event looks set to bring in local and international rock climbers,
enthusiasts and tourists to enjoy what is always a life-enhancing
experience.”
Krabi,
the lovely Southern Thai province which stretches out into the Andaman
Sea is now nearly as well-known as neighbouring Phuket, though
noticeably less developed. Among its most popular islands are Ko Phi
Phi, Ko Lanta, Ao Nang and Railay Beach, all of which attract increasing
numbers of international and regional tourists to this charming and
peaceful province.
Krabi
also boasts some of the best rock climbing in the world thanks to its
tall and challenging limestone peaks. At Railay Beach alone, there are
more than 600 rock climbs, most of which are world-class. Once climbers
have scaled the heights, they can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of
the deep blue Andaman Sea and the ever lovely coastline. The fact that
climbers can start at the beach and scale the peaks in warm sunshine
means that more and more thrill-seekers are coming to Krabi to take the
challenge.
For
this year’s “Rock and Fire International Contest”, TAT is expecting
more than 30 teams of adventurous tourists from the world over to join
the climbing. As usual, the competition offers three types of climbing
event: Lead Climbing Mountain and Deep Water Soloing and the Freestyle
Fire Contest. All of the events take place at the famous Railay Beach. And
for visitors, there is not just the climbing to enjoy. The fun
continues into the night with many parties being hosted. There will be a
range of musical performances as well as dining opportunities that
includes booths offering the local seafood delights, many prepared by
some of the big-name hotels in the area, on Railay Beach and Tonsai Bay.
The
TAT Governor said, “The Krabi Rock and Fire International Contest has
become increasingly popular over recent years and helps to promote Krabi
as a fun destination for thrill seekers as well as beach lovers. Rock
climbers love it here as the climbs up the limestone peaks are not only
diverse and challenging, but also offer some the most beautiful scenery
in the world to enjoy, once they have scaled the heights.”
Krabi
is easily reached and travellers can get there by air, road or sea.
Krabi International Airport now serves more than 20 domestic flights
daily as well as around 15-20 scheduled and chartered flights per day.
Krabi
currently has more than 18,000 hotel rooms; with 1,280 rooms at Railay
Beach and Tonsai Bay and another 6,000 rooms located at Ao Nang Beach.
The rest of the province accounts for the other rooms with 2,300 on Ko
Phi Phi, 3,000 rooms on Ko Lanta, and a further 1,350 rooms at Khlong
Muang Beach.
With
Krabi becoming increasingly popular, it is expected that in 2014, Krabi
will record 3.1 million tourist arrivals, generating 48.743 billion
Baht, ranking the province fifth in Thailand in terms of tourism
revenue.
Tourism Authority of Thailand, Dubai & Middle East Office
133 Sheikh Zayed Road, Apartment # 1804,
DusitThaniDubai,P.O. Box 450019, Dubai, U.A.E
Tel: +971 4 324 0184 Fax: +971 4 325 0187
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