Maya Bay to stay closed for at least two more years
Thai authorities confirmed that Maya Bay will remain closed to tourists for another two years at least.
The iconic location for Hollywood flick ‘The Beach’ closed nearly a year ago to allow the beach to recover and for its coral reefs to be restored.
Prior to its closure in 2018 it was visited by up to 5,000 people a day, causing major damage on land and sea.
"The meeting concluded that Maya Bay is to be closed for two more years as the natural environment needs more time to recover," said marine specialist Dr Thon Thamrongnawasawat.
The prolonged closure had been opposed by tour operators in Phuket and Krabi.
Still, it is a victory of sorts for them, as Worapot Lomlim, chief of the Hat Nopparat Thara Phi Phi Islands national park recently hinted it could stay closed for up to five years.
National Park officials have said when it does eventually open there will likely be significant restrictions imposed with a much reduced daily carrying capacity and designated zones for snorkelling and the anchoring of boats.
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
TAP Air Portugal to operate 29 flights due to strike on December 11
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season
Airbnb eyes a loyalty program but details remain under wraps