E-ticketing at Thailand’s Phi-Phi National Park drives revenue increase

Thailand’s Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation (DNP) has revealed that the e-ticketing system introduced at the Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi-Phi National Park in July 2020 has led to a 20-30% increase in revenue from entry fees.

The DNP reports that the system has generated an average of 1 million baht per day (US$29,000), totalling 137 million baht (US$4 million) to date – with attendances having been impacted by closures during the pandemic.

Despite the success of the e-ticketing system, the Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi-Phi National Park  has noted issues with e-ticket verification due to poor connectivity while tourists traveling to other islands such as Ko Phai and Phi Phi Don cannot use the e-ticketing system due to weak signal strength.

DNP Chief Atthaphon Charoenchansa aims to promote e-tickets for entry fees to all national parks within two years.

The pandemic led to the Hat Noppharat Thara Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park’s closure for two years, resulting in environmental improvements and the restoration of the ecological system on several islands.

One example is Maya Bay, where several black-tipped reef sharks have returned.

In September 2020, Thailand’s five national parks announced a 100% increase in entrance fees for their attractions. Depending on the park, entrance fees range from 300 to 400 baht for adults and 150 to 200 baht for children.

The Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi-Phi National Park receive approximately 4,000 daily visitors, with the majority being Russian and European tourists.

With thanks to the National News Bureau of Thailand.

Image: Thailand's Maya Bay in the the Hat Noppharat Thara Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park. Credit: National News Bureau of Thailand.