A proposed US$40 million waterpark and entertainment complex has been announced for Phuket’s Cherng Talay district.

Blue Tree Phuket is being promoted as a family attraction near the island’s popular central west coast.

Its developers say the complex, on 140 rai, will be Phuket’s “first international-standard, fully integrated waterpark and family entertainment complex, placing it at the cutting-edge of a growing demand for inland tourism on the island”.

The complex will feature a mix of shops, restaurants along with a water park, beach club, and health and fitness facilities. Its centrepiece feature, Blue Tree Lagoon, has designed US-based water attraction specialist Crystal Lagoons. Opening in the first quarter of 2019, Blue Tree is led by Michael Ayling, former managing director of Laguna Phuket.

“We are delighted to be announcing what we feel will be a key component in Phuket’s tourism future as we are confident Blue Tree will appeal to families looking for high quality entertainment,” said Ayling.

“Phuket’s tourism market has changed considerably over the past ten years. We now see strong demand for inland attractions driven by Thai families, residents of the island and the growth of the independent-travelling international tourism market. All three markets have one thing in common: a need for high-quality, family-focused entertainment away from the beach. This is what we will deliver,” he said.

BEST WESTERN BRINGS NEW HOTEL BRAND TO ASIA

Best Western Hotels & Resorts is bringing its newest brand, BW Signature Collection by Best Western, to Asia this year.

The company has signed a deal for a lakeside property, Tawaravadee Resort, in Prachinburi province.

The low-rise resort is inspired by the ancient Dvaravati culture that thrived in the area between the sixth and 11th centuries.

“We are excited to debut BW Signature Collection by Best Western to the Asia market with the Tawaravadee Resort,” said Ron Pohl, Senior Vice President and chief operations officer for Best Western Hotels & Resorts.