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Tourism

Kratie Province's Tourism Industry Sees Boost from Irrawaddy Dolphins

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Despite pandemic-induced setbacks, local tourism in Kratie province is recovering, with the Irrawaddy dolphins serving as a major draw for tourists. Governor Va Thorn reported that the Kampi Resort has topped the list of tourism destinations in the province, attracting 373,696 local and international tourists in the past year. The Irrawaddy dolphin population remains low, at 80 individuals, but the species' threatened status has not deterred tourists from visiting the province to spot the animals. Efforts are being made to conserve the dolphins, including banning fishing in their habitats and confiscating illegal fishing nets.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Kampi Resort has been the most popular tourist destination in Kratie province, attracting 373,696 tourists in the past year.
  • The Irrawaddy dolphin population in the province is estimated to be around 80 individuals, a number that remains low.
  • Human activities, such as fishing, have been cited as the main reason for the decline of the Irrawaddy dolphin population.
  • Efforts are being made to conserve the dolphins, including banning fishing in their habitats and confiscating illegal fishing nets.
  • The tourism industry is a priority sector for the Kratie provincial government.
  • Boat owners in the province offer dolphin-watching tours, which allow tourists to get up close and personal with the animals.
  • The Irrawaddy dolphins have played a significant role in luring local tourists to visit the province during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • The International Union for Conservation of Nature changed the Irrawaddy dolphin's status from "vulnerable" to "endangered" in 2017.

Statistics:

  • 373,696: The number of tourists who visited the Kampi Resort in the past year to spot the Irrawaddy dolphins.
  • 80: The estimated number of Irrawaddy dolphins in the Kratie Province.
  • 2017: The year the International Union for Conservation of Nature changed the Irrawaddy dolphin's status from "vulnerable" to "endangered".
  • 19: The number of tourist destinations in Kratie province.

Sources:

  • Speaking during a press conference at the Office of the Council of Ministers today, provincial governor Va Thorn
  • The International Union for Conservation of Nature (reference to 2017 status change)
  • WWF (reference to photo credit)
  • Provincial tourism department director Chan Sokhunthy

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