28 Dec, 2024
2025: Year of Thai Tourism History and Heritage
Presenting for the first time… An unmatched series of lectures on the History and Heritage of Thailand, The Greatest Story in Global Tourism HiSTORY. In 2025: The Tourism Authority of Thailand and Thai Airways International will turn 65. Vietnam will mark the 50th anniversary of the end of war. The UN Sustainable Development Goals will […]
more…25 Dec, 2024
Praying for Peace is Meaningless without Action to Build it
The annual Christmas-New Year break is a season for festivity, merriment and exchanging wishes for peace, happiness, health and prosperity. This year, I refrained from extending these perfunctory wishes. Instead, I explored alternative pathways to actually CREATE peace, happiness, prosperity and good health. That meant taking a deeper look at the forces of disruption, the […]
more…24 Dec, 2024
20 years on, crisis management and mitigation lessons of the tsunami must be learned, Thai Red Cross says
Bangkok — In an age of escalating natural disasters and man-made crises, the Thai Red Cross Society has marked the 20th anniversary of the devastating Indian Ocean tsunami with a commemorative publication recapping its experiences and reminding the public of the need to be ready and prepared at all times. In his introduction to the […]
more…19 Dec, 2024
Why Pre-Loved Luxury Products Are the New Black for Young Korean Shoppers
Singapore/Seoul, South Korea – 16 December 2024 – In a country renowned for its lavish consumption of luxury goods, South Korea is experiencing a profound shift in its shopping habits. Driven by economic pressures and a growing focus on sustainability, South Koreans are rethinking luxury and second-hand is winning, according to a 7 November 2024 […]
more…18 Dec, 2024
New Thai E-Visa scheme will NOT affect tourists from 93 visa-free countries
Bangkok — Citizens of 93 countries eligible for visa-free access to Thailand can continue to travel as normal WITHOUT having to apply for the online E-Visa set to take effect as of 01 Jan 2025. The new scheme is only applicable to those coming for non-tourism purposes from the 93 countries as well as citizens […]
more…13 Dec, 2024
Launch of Thai Islands Clean-up Campaign reveals shocking level of garbage crisis
Bangkok – Thai environmental and tourism groups have teamed up to launch a garbage clean-up campaign on 30 popular tourist islands with the aim of creating a new world record by World Oceans Day June 8, 2025. Announced in a press conference at the Foreign Correspondents Club of Thailand (FCCT) on 04 Dec 2024, the […]
more…12 Dec, 2024
Young people say freedom more important than climate justice
Bangkok – Young people participating in a webinar on Human Rights Day, December 10, have voted for freedom as being far more deserving of “urgent attention globally” than climate justice. The straw poll, conducted in a webinar featuring distinguished Professor Jeffrey Sachs, is a clear signal to the Travel & Tourism youth forums to start […]
more…8 Dec, 2024
Thailand should beware losing its unique culture, says award-winning, UK-born Buddhist monk
Bangkok – A Buddhist monk of British origin, co-winner of the 2024 Thailand Public Diplomacy Award, has told the Thai people that their most marvellous cultural asset, the Buddhist-rooted “natural, unforced, spontaneous acceptance of diversity,” is at risk of disappearing in the face of the emergence of many “different Thailands”. In soft, mellifluous tones, Phra […]
more…3 Dec, 2024
No Hope for Global Peace as “Merchants of Death”, Mostly American, Rake in Billions
Bangkok – The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), the world’s leading think-tank tracking global military expenditure, on 02 December released new data on revenues earned by the 100 largest companies dealing in weaponry and military services. What’s that got to do with Travel & Tourism? Everything. The shocking statistics and trends unveiled in the […]
more…31 Oct, 2024
Thailand, Laos, Myanmar seek to head off looming dry-season haze and smog
Bangkok – Thailand, Myanmar and Laos have launched a Joint Plan of Action, under the name of “CLEAR Sky Strategy” to pre-empt and prevent the annual dry-season haze and smog caused largely by forest fires and agricultural burning. While the joint effort may help mitigate the problem to some extent, speakers at the session admitted […]
more…25 Oct, 2024
Thai listed companies banking on tourism to prop up economy in 4th quarter 2024
Bangkok — Thai companies listed on the stock market have begun releasing their performance reports for the 3rd quarter 2024 ending September. The first off the mark are three finance companies, one bank and the company managing investments in Samui Airport. All five have reported positive benefits from the upturn in tourism so far this […]
more…24 Oct, 2024
Two renowned female Thai chefs hold first charity event to alleviate plight of refugees
Bangkok — Two of Thailand’s most renowned female chefs with shared values rooted in their humble family origins teamed up for an exclusive International Chefs Day event that raised 800,000 baht for the UNHCR, the global refugee welfare agency now under immense pressure to cope with the growing number of humanitarian crises worldwide. In an […]
more…23 Oct, 2024
Thai visitor arrivals stats prove link between tourism and peace
Bangkok — Thailand has reported 26.08 million arrivals in the nine-month Jan-Sept 2024 period, up 30.09% over the same period of 2023. A deeper analysis shows how the country is benefitting from both internal peace and external conflicts as it seeks to safeguard the role of tourism as an economic mainstay in the second year […]
more…13 Oct, 2024
Heard But Not Heeded: An 8th anniversary tribute to King Rama IX the Great
Today, Oct 13, 2024, marks the 8th death anniversary of His Majesty King Bhumibhol Adulyadej the Great, the country’s longest reigning monarch, (9 June 1946 – 13 October 2016), known as the “Development King” and curator of the visionary nation-building formula known as the “Sufficiency Economy Philosophy,” long before the MDGs and SDGs came along. […]
more…11 Oct, 2024
Sofitel marks 60th anniversary with masterpiece painting-cum-poetry exhibition in Bangkok
Bangkok – Thailand’s status as an Alliance of Civilisations destinations has been embellished by a sensitively curated exhibition of paintings and poems in Thai, English and French on display at the Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit, the flagship Thai property of the Accor group. Part of a worldwide 60th anniversary commemoration of the Sofitel brand, the exhibition […]
more…8 Oct, 2024
A Compendium of Unmatched Lectures on Thailand: The Greatest Story in Global Tourism HiSTORY
I call Thailand “The Greatest Story in Global Tourism HiSTORY”. For many good reasons. Privileged to have covered this dynamic sector since 1981, I have seen it grow from its early formative days to the boom era of mass-tourism. Thailand’s great marketing campaigns, crisis situations, political upheavals and development challenges are a stellar learning experience, […]
more…23 Sep, 2024
Thousands Walk, Eat, Chill as Bangkok launches Car-Free street
Bangkok — Thousands of Bangkokians and tourists thronged the Bantadthong road in downtown Bangkok to Walk, Eat, Chill over two evenings of car-free relief between 21-22 Sept 2024. The roughly 500-metre stretch of road, which is lined by about 200 SME eating outlets, came alive with families and young people enjoying the Thai capital’s latest […]
more…19 Sep, 2024
Tourism, Connectivity and Soft-Power Set to Drive “Proactive” Thai Foreign Policy
Bangkok — Promoting tourism, connectivity with the regional countries and Thai Soft-Power are to be the core drivers of the Foreign Ministry’s “proactive, people-centered economic diplomacy” in the next six months. Addressing the MFA’s second “Meet the Press” session on 19 Sept, Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa said, “Diplomacy must be tangible, and diplomacy must put […]
more…18 Sep, 2024
An interfaith study tour template for Thailand as an Alliance of Civilisations destination
Bangkok – If the Thai Travel & Tourism industry recognises the rising global tide of hate speech, ethnocentricism and extremism as a potential risk and threat to its sustainable and commercial future, it will have to initiate a preventive-action partnership with moderate religious leaders such as those I met on 14 Sept 2024 on the […]
more…12 Sep, 2024
Is Travel & Tourism ready for another 25 years of the “War on Terror”
11 September 2024 marked the 23rd anniversary of the infamous terrorist attacks on the World Trade Centre in New York and the Pentagon in Washington DC. Ever since that day, the world has been gripped by a “War on Terror,” making it the over-arching source of geopolitical instability in the first quarter of the 21st […]
more…6 Sep, 2024
PATA Youth Forums need to flip the format
Bangkok — PATA events tend to be a collection of visionary speeches, strategic thinking, forecasts and recovery plans. But no sooner does the situation begin to improve that another crisis strikes. One step forward, two steps backward. For this cycle to end, it will be necessary, nay imperative, to start listening seriously to the very […]
more…3 Sep, 2024
PATA breaks new ground with media briefing at Foreign Press club
Bangkok – The PATA Travel Mart 2024 broke new ground on Aug 27 by holding the opening media briefing at the Foreign Correspondents Club of Thailand. It was the first time since PATA’s move to Bangkok in 1998 that both the Chairman and CEO of the Asia-Pacific region’s leading Travel & Tourism association had turned […]
more…2 Sep, 2024
Some tips for Nepal tourism on how to achieve a broader purpose
Bangkok — One of the pleasures of attending the PATA Travel Mart 2024 in Bangkok between Aug 27-29 was the opportunity to catch up with PATA veterans, whose numbers sadly are dwindling. One of them was PATA Vice Chairman Suman Pandey, President, Explore Himalaya Travel & Adventure. In a reversal of roles, Mr Pandey interviewed […]
more…26 Aug, 2024
Siam Society launches study trip to highlight Thai “melting pot” culture
Bangkok — Thailand’s pre-eminent culture and heritage institution, The Siam Society, has launched its first study trip of prominent “melting pot” sites within Bangkok and its environs. Targetted at serious connoisseurs of ASEAN Cultural Heritage, the four-day trip priced at 36,000 baht will open the way for the itinerary to be commercially adapted, as well […]
more…20 Aug, 2024
Touring Local Wisdom and Soft Power in Northeast Thailand
A study trip organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the diplomatic corps and media to Northeast Thailand in early August was appropriately themed: “The Charm of Isaan: Transforming Local Wisdom into Creative Economy.” Participants were transported back in time to an era when simplicity, carbon-neutrality, organic and herb-based food were just a normal […]
more…4 Aug, 2024
Thai Minister gives Israeli Ambassador a valuable tip to achieve tourism success
Bangkok — Thai Minister of Tourism and Sports has given the Israeli ambassador a dignified lesson in tourism promotion, telling her that Thailand remains committed to attracting visitors on the basis of equality and safety for all, regardless of religion, belief or nationality. This is the way the July 31 meeting between Minister Mr. Sermsak […]
more…28 Jul, 2024
Thai tourism on track to hit 50 million by 2028 – IF peace prevails
Bangkok – Thailand’s tourism comeback forged ahead in the first half of 2024 with 17.5 million arrivals, up 35% over 12.9 million in the first half 2023. Thai tourism is on track to regain the 2019 level of 40 million this year and hit 50 million by 2028, only IF global, regional and local risks […]
more…23 Jul, 2024
Political, economic conditions a bigger concern than technology, sustainability, ITB Berlin survey shows
Bangkok — More than 60% of the respondents to a survey by ITB Berlin fear “political and economic conditions” will have a bigger impact on business than either technology or climate change. The response has paved the way for a long-overdue shift in the focus of discussion at the world’s biggest travel show, as well […]
more…22 Jul, 2024
Iconic samlor ignites Thai Soft Power on popular walking street in Kobe, Japan
Kobe, Japan – This distinctive Thai icon, the samlor, is “parked” right outside the sole Thai restaurant on the popular walking street in Kobe, Japan. Seen by thousands of tourists and locals every day, it is a living example of how Thai creativity ignites the Thai Soft Power brand abroad – at no cost to […]
more…17 Jul, 2024
Thailand’s epic contribution to global Peace and Wisdom via Buddhist teachings
Bangkok — Buddhist scholars worldwide will hail Thailand’s epic contribution to the understanding and study of the faith with the global dissemination of a rare phonetic transcription of the Tipitaka, a vast and complex collection of the Lord Buddha’s teachings. On 16 July, the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs invited Ambassadors and representatives of 36 […]
more…10 Jul, 2024
TAT flags politics as a threat to the future of Thai tourism
Bangkok – The Tourism Authority of Thailand has publicly recognised global geopolitics as a threat to the future of tourism in the post-Covid era. Officially posted by the TAT Governor Mrs Thapanee Kiatphaibool on her Facebook page on 08 July 2024, the official recognition of this threat paves the way for it to be openly […]
more…25 Jun, 2024
Award-winning images highlight link between ASEAN tourism and sustainability
Bangkok — Ten spectacular photographs capturing the natural and cultural beauty of Thailand and the ASEAN countries have won awards in a competition organised by the Confederation of Thai Journalists (CTJ). Five awards were for the ASEAN countries, and another five for entries from Thailand. The winners were conferred their awards at a ceremony on […]
more…21 Jun, 2024
Tourism-deprived South Thailand Provinces expect better days with improved road, air access
Narathiwat Province, South Thailand — The South Thailand provinces of Pattani and Narathiwat are pretty much at the bottom of the heap in terms of tourism. That is set to change over the next three years thanks to upcoming improvements in road and air accessibility. An upgrading of Narathiwat airport is due for completion by […]
more…19 Jun, 2024
Thailand continues converting battlefields into trading fields, this time in the South
Pattani Province, South Thailand — In the 1980s, after the end of the Indochina wars of the 1970s, Thailand forged a policy of “converting battlefields into trading fields”, making the kingdom a hub of travel, trade and transportation for the Greater Mekong Subregion countries of Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. As its far-sighted success is more […]
more…16 Jun, 2024
Elegant Holy Quran museum is Thailand’s Best Kept Secret
Narathiwat Province, South Thailand — It is arguably Thailand’s best kept secret. Muslim visitors to Thailand will be fascinated by the collection of magnificent Holy Qurans and historic artefacts exhibited in the Museum of Islamic Cultural Heritage and Al-Quran Learning Centre in Narathiwat, the country’s southernmost province, about 1,140 kilometres from Bangkok on the border […]
more…15 Jun, 2024
Thai-Muslim women on the move as peace gains ground in South Thailand
Pattani Province, South Thailand — One of the biggest positive impacts of the slow but steady onset of peace in South Thailand is the emergence of a new generation of female entrepreneurs. This was more than apparent during a June 11-13 familiarisation trip organised for members of the diplomatic corps and media by the Ministry […]
more…8 Jun, 2024
People I Meet: Real-life Stories from Grassroots Tourism Workers in Khao Lak
Khao Lak, Phang-nga Province, South Thailand — Tourism is all about people. But how often do we hear from the rank-and-file, blue collar employees who are supposed to be the main beneficiaries of tourism? At the Thailand Travel Mart Plus in the beach resort of Khao Lak between 5-7 June 2024, I felt it was […]
more…17 May, 2024
“Mother of the Bride” joins list of hit films made in Thailand
Bangkok – Thailand’s status as a film-making hub has taken a major leap forward with the release of “Mother of the Bride”, a mushy 90-minute Netflix production that was panned by critics but hit 27 million views in the first four days. Mr Bill Heinecke, Chairman of Minor Hotels group, operator of the Anantara Layan […]
more…15 May, 2024
As fires threaten the PATA region, who will stop the pyromaniacs?
The PATA Annual Summit opens in Macau today, May 15, with the usual fanfare that has accompanied such events. Delegate numbers have crossed the projected targets. The programme is “guaranteeing a wealth of enriching experiences, including dynamic plenary sessions, participative roundtables & breakout sessions.” A rash of images will be uploaded on Facebook to showcase […]
more…10 May, 2024
Israel pulled out of the ATM Dubai. So did I. Here’s why.
Bangkok — In 2023, Israel was present at the Arabian Travel Mart in Dubai. So was I. This year, Israel gave it a miss. So did I. For pretty much the same reasons, I would think. It does not take much to figure why Israel was absent at this year’s ATM between 6-9 May 2024. […]
more…1 May, 2024
As the global Arms Bazaar booms, Travel & Tourism pays the price
Bangkok — On 23 April 2024, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) published its annual World Military Expenditure report for 2023. It showed that the Arms Bazaar raked in $2,443 billion, the highest level ever. The figure was up 6.8% over 2022, up for the 9th consecutive year and the steepest year-on-year rise since […]
more…29 Apr, 2024
Exclusive Lectures on How Visit Thailand Year 1987 Revolutionised Global Tourism
In 1987, Thailand marked the auspicious 60th birthday of His Majesty the late King Rama IX the Great with an extraordinary national celebration known as Visit Thailand Year. It was a grand invitation for visitors worldwide to join the Thai people in marking the King’s historic 5th 12-year cycle of life. The event proved to […]
more…23 Apr, 2024
Celebrating my ouster from the PATA Thailand Chapter Executive Committee
Bangkok — On 22 April 2024, I was ousted from the PATA Thailand Executive Committee by a vote of 6:5 with one abstention. A paper-thin margin but enough to complete the well-orchestrated job. I was the only nominee voted out. All the others sailed through with unanimous votes. In the spirit of turning the negative […]
more…21 Apr, 2024
Thailand, Laos, Australia mark 30th anniversary of the Mekong’s first post-war Peace Project
Bangkok – Thailand, Laos and Australia are this week holding a series of activities to mark the 30th anniversary of the 1st Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge, the first infrastructure project to reinforce the peace and promote travel, tourism, transportation and trade as a conduit for the economic development of the post-war Indochina region. The 1,170-metre bridge […]
more…18 Apr, 2024
How Thailand, the “Land of the Free”, can bring peace to the Middle East
Bangkok — This may come as a shock to many, but the people of Thailand, the “Land of the Free”, are uniquely placed to help bring peace to the Middle East. How so? Very simple. Just visit both Israel and Palestine, see and experience the reality for themselves. A nice, peaceful way of establishing the […]
more…16 Apr, 2024
Travel & Tourism pays the price of not investing in peace
Bangkok — The global travel & tourism industry is waiting with bated breath to see what happens next in the Middle East. After ignoring the rising geopolitical tension for months, the industry was jolted out of its comfort zones by a sharp escalation which threatened to again bring the entire house crashing down. Climate change […]
more…12 Apr, 2024
First TRIPS report: From the Frying Pan into the Fire
Welcome to TRIPS (Trends-Risks-Innovations-Policies-Strategies), a new research publication I have launched to fire up honest and realistic discussion on the challenges facing Travel & Tourism in the post-Covid era. The first issue explores the Artificial Intelligence pandemic, and takes a critical look at its opportunities and threats. Please click on the image to download the […]
more…7 Apr, 2024
The four keywords of sustainable economic development, by a former head of the Thai Central Bank
The following opening remarks were delivered by Dr Veerathai Santiphrabhob, former governor (1 October 2015 to 30 September 2020) of the Bank of Thailand (Central Bank) at the launch of the 2024 edition of the United Nations Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific on 04 April 2024 at the Foreign Correspondents Club […]
more…6 Apr, 2024
Flagship UN report pinpoints pivotal role of Travel & Tourism in Asia-Pacific economic recovery
Bangkok — Robust domestic demand and Travel & Tourism are the two major factors contributing to the post-Covid economic recovery of the Asia-Pacific region, according to the flagship annual report of the UN Economic and Social Commission for the Asia-Pacific. Released on 04 April, the report notes that although GDP growth has resumed, multiple risks […]
more…3 Apr, 2024
PATA members should deny Peter Semone a second term as Chairman
Bangkok — On 02 April, PATA Chairman Peter Semone sent out an announcement to the membership saying it has “successfully regained its footing in terms of finances, management and vision.” With a “highly talented” CEO and new plans and structures in place, he hailed PATA’s readiness to face the future in good shape. Alongside, he […]
more…29 Mar, 2024
Back to the future in historic downtown Bangkok
Bangkok – Roads paved over in the 19th century in the historic cultural centre of the Thai capital are going back to the future, resulting in increased usage by pedestrians and cyclists and reduced usage by polluting cars, tuk-tuks and motorcycles. The redesigning, part of a wider plan to make all of Bangkok more pedestrian-friendly, […]
more…28 Mar, 2024
World Happiness Report: Why is Finland #1 and Thailand #58?
Bangkok – A Gallup World Poll survey released on March 20 declared Finland the Happiest Country in the World for the 7th year running. What is the reason for this continuing success? According to Mr Ville Tavio, Minister of Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, Countries have to make happiness a policy goal and create an […]
more…25 Mar, 2024
UN Declares 2025 Year of Peace & Trust: Golden Opportunity for ASEAN tourism to take the lead
Bangkok — The UN General Assembly has proclaimed 2025 as the International Year of Peace and Trust (IYPT), and called for a fullscale mobilisation of efforts to build sustainable peace, solidarity and harmony via political dialogue, mutual understanding and cooperation amongst nations and peoples. 2025 will mark the 80th anniversary since the end of World […]
more…21 Mar, 2024
PATA Tourism Careers Forum flags the Perils and Promises awaiting Gen Z
Bangkok — On 18 March 2024, more than 1,500 university students of tourism, including about 700 onsite and another 800 online, attended a half-day forum organised by the PATA Thailand chapter and Bangkok University to “Fast Forward” their careers. It ended with a round of self-congratulatory applause and predictions of a bright future. But a […]
more…7 Mar, 2024
Thai women tourism leaders set a global example for building peaceful, inclusive societies
Bangkok – Take a good look at this image below. See anything special? To mark International Women’s Day tomorrow (08 March) let me shed some light on its deeper symbolism and significance. The two Thai women in the red oval frame are Ms. Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, Minister of Tourism and Sports (seated) and Mrs Thapanee Kiatphaibool, […]
more…5 Mar, 2024
Photo exhibition gives Thais a chance to witness Pakistan’s stunning scenic beauty
Bangkok – Nearly 200 photographs capturing the scenic grandeur of Pakistan are on display at The Living Hall, 3rd Floor, Paragon Shopping Complex in Central Bangkok until March 10. Meticulously shot by David Lau, a renowned Bangkok-based adventure photographer, the images are on display as part of events marking the 77th National Day of Pakistan. […]
more…3 Mar, 2024
Thai PM leads “Peace Through Tourism” visit to South Thailand
Bangkok – “When the people have money in their pockets, they will forget about their conflicts.” That simple rationale summarised the core objective of Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s historic “Peace Through Tourism” visit to the kingdom’s southernmost provinces of Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat between 27-29 February. Under the slogan “Travel to the South — […]
more…27 Feb, 2024
Tourism tops agenda of Thai Prime Minister’s Feb 27-29 visit to South Thailand
Bangkok — Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has embarked on a three-day visit to the three Muslim-majority provinces of South Thailand, specifically to promote tourism. The trip will include a range of social, cultural and economic activities designed to highlight the growth potential of Narathiwat and Yala, which share a direct land border with Malaysia, […]
more…22 Feb, 2024
To become a multi-sectoral HUB, Thailand first needs to build its HOB
Bangkok — On 22 Feb, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin unveiled an “IGNITE Thailand Vision” policy to make the kingdom a HUB of tourism, health & wellness, agriculture & food, aviation, logistics, future mobility, digital economy and finance. But speakers at a conference on promoting interfaith dialogue held at Bangkok’s prestigious Chulalongkorn University on Feb 17 […]
more…18 Feb, 2024
SDGs will fail to meet 2030 target, but Travel & Tourism can still be a big help
Bangkok — The “unfavourable global context” has rendered the 2030 target for the UN Sustainable Development Goals unachievable, according to a UN report. Although considerable progress has been made across all the 17 goals, it is “uneven and inadequate” across countries and categories, and will not be fully achieved until 2062. The progress report was […]
more…14 Feb, 2024
First Time in Thailand – Bangkok Mosques to conduct Open House tours
Bangkok – For the first time in Thailand, dozens of mosques across Bangkok will open their doors for public visitation over the Eid Ul Fitr holiday around 9-10 April, the biggest Islamic event which follows the end of the fasting month of Ramadan. The project is designed to build peace, harmony, friendship and multicultural awareness, […]
more…11 Feb, 2024
Thai travel industry urged to reduce usage of US$ for doing business
Bangkok – The Thai travel & tourism industry has been warned about using the US dollar for business transactions and urged to use the currencies of the countries with which they are doing business. In a landmark lecture at this year’s joint meeting of the Association of Thai Travel Agents and the Thai Hotels Association […]
more…8 Feb, 2024
Geopolitics shunts sustainability as the biggest threat to Travel & Tourism
Bangkok — Thailand’s foreign policy of maintaining strict neutrality in the midst of superpower bunfights has become the key to its national security and economic survival. Although Travel & Tourism is both a major component and beneficiary of that policy, the prospect of prolonged global geopolitical instability means that industry is hanging by a thread, […]
more…31 Jan, 2024
Saudi Arabia in big demand at Thai travel show as outbound rebounds
Bangkok – Saudi Tourism made its second appearance at the 29th Thailand International Travel Fair [TITF 2024], the annual event organised by the Thai Travel Agents Association (TTAA), which groups the country’s outbound travel agents and tour operators. It was one of the highlights of the 24-28 January event at the Queen Sirikit National Convention […]
more…29 Dec, 2023
Person of the Year: The Israeli conscientious objector Tal Mitnick, 18
The travel and tourism industry has long feigned concern about the “NextGen”. Multiple activities are organised regularly to help them inherit a better future. The way things are going, that does not seem likely. Today, I am making a small attempt to thwart that downward trend by conferring, for the first time, a Travel Impact […]
more…24 Dec, 2023
Thailand tourism enjoys robust rebound in 2023 but danger looms high for 2024
Bangkok — Since the end of the Covid-19 crisis in 2021, Thai tourism has enjoyed a robust rebound and is set to end 2023 just a little shy of 30 million visitors. While that may heighten optimism of hitting the pre-Covid total of 40 million in 2024, the Israel-Palestine war is already having an impact […]
more…21 Dec, 2023
PATA Chairman, an American, blasts global geopolitical unrest as “existential threat” to tourism
Bangkok — Mr Peter Semone, the American chairman of the Pacific Asia Travel Association, has unleashed a blistering attack on the “ethnocentrism and extreme views” dominating the political discourse in his country. “America used to be a melting pot where anyone could succeed regardless of your place of birth, race, creed, religion, or ethnicity. The […]
more…19 Dec, 2023
Bangkok art exhibitions reflect Peace and Tranquility but Reality paints a different picture
Bangkok — On 16 December 2023, my wife and I spent a few hours immersed in the grandeur of art as an expression of peace and tranquility at the Jim Thompson Art Center in Bangkok. One exhibition titled “Echoed Tranquillity” combined the works of Din Q. Le (Vietnam), Toshiko Tanaka (Japan) and Pratchaya Pinthong (Thailand). […]
more…6 Dec, 2023
Gaza butchery set to boost bottom-lines of global merchants of death, especially the Israelis
Bangkok – The blood of innocent Palestinians is set to generate a financial goldmine for Israeli arms dealers Elbit Systems, Israel Aerospace Industries and Rafael. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), the aggregate arms revenue of these three companies rose by 6.5 per cent to $12.4 billion in 2022. That was triggered […]
more…29 Nov, 2023
Is Travel & Tourism ready for the catastrophic fallout of the Israel-Palestine conflict?
Today, Nov 29, marks the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. It comes against the backdrop of Israel’s genocide against the Palestinian people, supported by the United States and several European countries in line with Israel’s “right to defend itself”. The savagery and brutality of the latest round of conflict has left deep […]
more…28 Nov, 2023
ASEAN Young Gen team to push indigenous “Cultural Wisdom” at Climate Change conference
Bangkok — How did people live in the pre-oil era? A life free of gas-guzzling cars, electricity, aircraft, condominiums, etc, was quite comfortable, apparently. According to the Southeast Asian Cultural Heritage Alliance (SEACHA), people had more than enough know-how to “manage land, forests, rivers and seas that are climate-friendly, sustainable, and adaptable; age-old methods for […]
more…27 Nov, 2023
FREE Lectures on “How Visit Thailand Year 1987 Revolutionised Global Tourism”
In 1987, Thailand marked the auspicious 60th (5th cycle of life) birth anniversary of His Majesty the late King Bhumibhol Adulyadej (Rama IX) the Great with a momentous national celebration known as Visit Thailand Year, an event which revolutionised global tourism. This year, marking His Majesty’s 96th (8th cycle) birth anniversary year, is a good […]
more…27 Nov, 2023
Hotelbeds MarketHub summit shows recovery is on a roll, but danger looms
Bangkok – The travel industry is awash with statistics celebrating the AC (After Covid) “recovery”. But the next crisis is already on the cards. While both trends were on display at the annual Hotelbeds MarketHub summit in Bangkok between 21-23 November, it was apparent that travel corporations and stakeholders are still operating within the traditional […]
more…24 Nov, 2023
Make “behavioural change”, former Thai Tourism Minister tells business leaders
Bangkok — Former Thai Minister of Tourism & Sports, Senator Weerasak Kowsurat, one of the country’s most respected industry personalities, says global business leaders will need to make a “behavioural change” if they wish to deal with the twin challenges facing both the natural environment as well as their own business operating environment. Citing the […]
more…4 Nov, 2023
04 Nov 1995: The Death of “Peace Through Tourism” and the Failure of Travel & Tourism Leadership
04 Nov should be declared a Day of Mourning in Travel & Tourism. It marked the first and last time the Prime Minister of any country addressed an audience of leading hoteliers on how they, the whole world and the future generation will profit from “PEACE THROUGH TOURISM”. A retired military officer proudly proclaiming that […]
more…21 Oct, 2023
Nov 4 Webinar: An Act of Evil Terrorism that Changed the Course of History
Countdown to Nov 4 – The day a Jewish Zionist fanatic terrorist changed the course of history. I was the only travel trade journalist from Asia in Tel Aviv the night Yigal Amir assassinated Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, a Nobel Peace prize winner. The mayhem unfolding in the Middle East today is exactly what […]
more…5 Oct, 2023
A tribute to Pran Nath Seth: The veteran Indian travel journalist who saw tomorrow
As “sustainability” is dominating discussions at the PATA Travel Mart in New Delhi this week, I felt it would be a good idea to hark back to the words of the late Indian travel writer and analyst Pran Nath Seth, arguably the first journalist to warn way back in the 1980s about the risk of […]
more…4 Oct, 2023
The two Indian travel veterans who shook up PATA
As the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) meets this week for the Travel Mart in New Delhi, it may be timely to recognise two late Indian veterans who defied the odds to bring about changes which had far-reaching impact on PATA and the Asia-Pacific travel industry. Mr Inder Sharma (PATA President, 1992-93) spearheaded the membership […]
more…12 Sep, 2023
Tourism aiding rehabilitation of convicts, drug dealers in North Thailand
Chiang Mai / Chiang Rai Provinces, North Thailand — Hundreds of convicted prisoners serving time in two Northern Thailand correctional institutions are being rehabilitated and prepared to lead a post-release normal life under an Inspire project initiated by Princess Bajarakitiyabha, the eldest daughter of Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn. Tourism is proving to be an important […]
more…28 Aug, 2023
Game-changing Lecture not to be missed: Thailand as the World’s First “Alliance of Civilisations” Destination
Bangkok – September 2023 will be an important month in the history of Thailand. Within Thailand, a new Minister of Tourism will take charge in the Cabinet which has just been cobbled together after the contentious May 2023 elections. The Tourism Authority of Thailand will get a new Governor, Mrs Thapanee Kiatphaibool, the TAT’s 11th […]
more…25 Aug, 2023
As time runs out, SDG targets still a long way from being met, Thailand’s UN diplomat warns
Bangkok – On 24 August, I covered an event at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the role of global aid and development agencies in promoting sustainability in Thailand, the Mekong countries and beyond. Organised by the Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA), a unit of the MFA, the event included agencies from the US, Japan, […]
more…10 Aug, 2023
First TAT event for social media influencers opens new chapter in travel communications
Bangkok – Thailand’s travel industry communications entered a new era on 9 Aug 2023 with the first fully-hosted fam trips exclusively designed for 60 influencers and social-media bloggers commanding a total claimed following of 26 million. Effectively, it marked the beginning of the end of decades of relations with the legacy media, especially the travel […]
more…7 Aug, 2023
Thailand Tourism Festival highlights its value as a “Confluence of Civilisations”
Bangkok — Thousands of people hit the 41st Thailand Tourism Festival between August 2-6 to enjoy the best of the kingdom’s creativity, culture, cuisine, community products, colour and crafts. On the surface, it was just the usual holiday show, for visitors to eat, drink, get a massage, enjoy FREE music and dance performances, hear FREE […]
more…5 Aug, 2023
Unlocking the real value of “India’s Best Kept Secret”
Bangkok – In his welcoming remarks at the inaugural Odisha tourism roadshow in Bangkok Mr. J.K. Mohanty, Co-Chair of the Federation of the Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) Tourism Committee, highlighted the historic significance and value of visiting the East Indian coastal state via its capital, Bhubaneswar. The people of Thailand are Buddhists, […]
more…28 Jul, 2023
Where the desert meets the rainforest — Thai, Saudi rural/ecotourism bodies sign collaboration MoU
Bangkok – Relations between Thailand and Saudi Arabia took another positive step forward with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to promote collaboration between two leading rural/ecotourism associations in both kingdoms. Signed on 14 July in Bangkok, the MoU is one amongst a broad range of activities and projects being initiated across multiple sectors […]
more…25 Jul, 2023
Tourism Academics struggle to cope with overwhelming pace of change
Bangkok / Kuala Lumpur — The depth and breadth of changes sweeping through global Travel & Tourism are challenging the relevance and value of tourism studies system-wide to the point where academics themselves are struggling to adjust. Speaking at the annual ASEAN Tourism Researchers Association (ATRA) Forum on 21 July, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Joaquim Dias […]
more…19 Jul, 2023
Palestinians bid to open Thai/Vietnamese markets for health and farm products, herbal soap, carved stonework
Bangkok – Palestinian business consultant Hanan Taha Rayyan was in Bangkok in early July to promote business and tourism between Thailand and Palestine. In an interview, I asked her what products can Thai companies buy from Palestine. This is what she sent me: With proper marketing support, these products could easily find buyers amongst Thai […]
more…10 Jul, 2023
Malaysia’s MYairline launches Bangkok flights, faces tough battle with AirAsia
Bangkok — The new Malaysia-based low-cost airline MYairline has launched its first international routes between Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok. In a press conference on 05 July 2023, CEO Rayner Teo said the gameplan is to enter the high-density routes and gain market-share. However, in a clear sign that it faces a tough battle, its mainstream […]
more…26 Jun, 2023
Phuket’s Expo 2028 loss: Physician, Heal Thyself
Bangkok – The Thai team involved in the failed bid for the Specialised Expo 2027/28 is closely analysing the reasons for the shocking loss, with a view to learning the lessons of the experience. As Thailand is not exactly well known for learning the lessons of any experience, especially the not so rosy ones, the […]
more…16 Jun, 2023
Buddhist Monk offers East-West hybrid path to navigate polarisation
In a lecture on the topic of “Navigating a Polarised Society” in Bangkok on June 14, the Venerable Amaro Bhikkhu, Abbot of Amaravati Monastery in the UK, cited the North and South Poles as examples of “polarisation” in terms of geographical distance. This same gap now applies, literally, to ideologies, economic and political systems worldwide. […]
more…10 Jun, 2023
Thailand’s rip-roaring Masala Wedding Fair is back, funky and vibrant as ever
Bangkok – Thailand’s largest and most popular Indian wedding exhibition, The Masala Wedding Fair, is marking its 10th anniversary this year at the Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park hotel between June 10-11. It is a one-stop shop for trade buyers, consumers and the general public keen to tap the multi-million baht opportunity for planning and […]
more…6 Jun, 2023
India suffers 12-point drop in Global Muslim Travel Index rankings
India has dropped a staggering 12 points in the destination rankings of the annual Mastercard-CrescentRating Global Muslim Travel Index 2023. It is the fourth straight year of decline since 2019. Although some blame is being laid at the doorstep of the Covid-19 crisis, most of it is being directly attributed to the anti-Muslim, Islamophobic political […]
more…31 May, 2023
Trial by fire for “responsible and sustainable travel”
This week, Nepal is playing host to the Adventure Mart and Annual Summit of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA). According to the website, it is “a global tourism forum that brings together international thought leaders, industry shapers and senior decision-makers from both the public and private sectors to address issues and opportunities in the […]
more…28 May, 2023
How Death Outlives War: The Human Costs of “The Other Global Warming”
Bangkok — Over the last 50 years, extreme weather turbo-charged by man-made global warming has caused more than two million deaths and $4.3 trillion in economic losses, according to a World Meteorological Organisation report released on 22 May. A week earlier, on 15 May, the Costs of War project had issued a report estimating that […]
more…22 May, 2023
Registration link: How recent elections in “Incredible India” and “Amazing Thailand” will impact Travel & Tourism
The extraordinary anti-establishment results of the May 2023 elections in both Thailand and India could prove to be a geopolitical game-changer for Asia. Travel & Tourism will be affected for better and/or for worse. Join this unmatched analysis and discussion with Imtiaz Muqbil, Executive Editor, Travel Impact Newswire, the Asia-Pacific region’s leading Travel & Tourism […]
more…1 May, 2023
Labour Day: Global workers say People suffering more than Planet, more strikes likely
Bangkok – The global trades union movement has issued a strong May 1 Labour Day statement chastising corporations and governments for prioritising the planet over the suffering of working people. The statement warns that more strikes can be expected if the situation continues to deteriorate. Marking its 150th anniversary this year, the International Trades Union […]
more…26 Apr, 2023
As wars rage, tourism suffers, the arms bazaar prospers
Bangkok — On 24 April, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) released its annual report on global military expenditure. It makes shocking reading. Even as the world grapples with poverty, climate change, health pandemics, natural disasters and struggles to revive jobs and economic growth, total global military expenditure increased by 3.7% in real terms […]
more…21 Apr, 2023
Unipolar or Multipolar World: Russia to hold U.N. debate on ways to dethrone U.S.
United Nations — On 24 April 2023, a landmark debate is to be held at the UN HQ in New York on ways to dethrone the United States and its allies as the global unipolar power and replace it with a multipolar, “equitable and democratic international order.” The debate, called by the Russian Federation in […]
more…9 Apr, 2023
Legalisation of Thai sex work: 15 questions for Travel & Tourism to consider NOW!!
Bangkok – Thailand is heading towards legalising sex work. Making the sale of sex similar to that of selling any service, it is hoped, will end the currently widespread harmful side-effects: corruption, human trafficking, human rights violations, and more. It will also allow sex workers to become mainstream members of the workforce, with rights for […]
more…14 Mar, 2023
Register here: 10 Simple, Creative Ways Thai Travel & Tourism SMEs can MAKE MORE MONEY
This post contains details of the registration process for the Executive Business Briefing on 28 March 2023 on “10 Simple, Creative Ways Thai Travel & Tourism SMEs can MAKE MORE MONEY.”
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