13 Feb, 2023
WebBeds Summit proves that Thai foreign policy, not tourism policy, is leading the recovery
Bangkok – Thai tourism is bouncing back robustly, thanks to open doors, vigorous marketing campaigns and a hungry private sector. But a closer look will show that Thai foreign policy, not tourism policy, is the bedrock reason for the recovery. Recognising the significance and importance of that could prove to be a turning point in […]
more…1 Feb, 2023
Critical Tourism Studies conference in Vietnam will reset the post-Covid agenda
Bangkok — The post-Covid travel & tourism agenda in the Asia Pacific is heading for a major reset at the upcoming 3rd Critical Tourism Studies (CTS) Conference to be held in Vietnam, Hanoi, between 13-17 February 2023. In a radical departure from the politically correct topics which dominate the humdrum travel trade business forums, dozens […]
more…22 Jan, 2023
Watershed conference flags wisdom-based cultural solutions to Climate Change crisis
Bangkok — The search for solutions to the climate change crisis is dominated by expensive and complicated technological and financial fixes. But a three-day conference organised by the Southeast Asia Cultural Heritage Alliance (SEACHA) jointly with Thailand’s pre-eminent natural history and heritage institution, the Siam Society, cited the region’s centuries-old cultural and spiritual wisdoms as […]
more…15 Dec, 2022
Registration details: “Shaping a Better Future for Thai Tourism by Understanding the Past”
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more…12 Dec, 2022
Celebrity designer Jimmy Choo officiates at Malaysian segment of Thai Silk Fashion Expo
Bangkok – Celebrity Malaysian fashion designer Datuk Jimmy Choo was a Guest of Honour at the Malaysian segment of the Thai Silk International Fashion Week held at the Siam Paragon Hall in Bangkok between December 7-11, 2022 International fashion designers from more than 60 nations participated in the 25 shows held to celebrate a collection […]
more…9 Dec, 2022
How a Pattaya transgender show promotes unity, diversity and humanity
Pattaya, Thailand — Transgender shows are must-visit attractions in the Thai beach resort of Pattaya. Decked in glittering costumes, the heavily made-up performers lip-sync their way through a repertoire of popular songs. It may come across as superficial, dumbed-down entertainment, but one transgender show has elevated the content with a message of socio-cultural harmony which […]
more…29 Nov, 2022
What do APEC summits really achieve?
Enormous amounts of time, effort and money go into hosting summits such as the APEC 2022. They always end with rah-rah statements hailing their success. But are they really a “success”? How does one define, evaluate and rate “success”? Is there room for an objective debate? One way of analysing the outcomes is to rewind […]
more…23 Nov, 2022
Discovering the APEC 2022 theme “Open Connect Balance” in Northeast Thailand
Bangkok – Hundreds of journalists from Thailand and around the world covered the APEC summit in Bangkok between 18-19 November. Not me. Having reported on dozens of such summits over my 50 years in journalism, I no longer see the need to tolerate onerous security requirements or waste time listening to speeches and finding information […]
more…17 Nov, 2022
A soul-searching tour to keep Thailand safe from “The Other Global Warming”
Bangkok – On 29 Oct 2022, I took a group of civil society tourism activists on an Alliance of Civilisations tour of the Bangkok riverside. These iconic sites — an historic temple, church and mosque in one neighbourhood cluster — represent the real competitive advantage of Thai tourism, viz., a Buddhist-majority kingdom with a complete […]
more…6 Nov, 2022
Israeli elections outcome makes a Clash of Civilisations a near certainty
The return of Israeli politician Benjamin Netanyahu as Prime Minister of Israel is set to intensify the Clash of Civilisations (which I have labelled “The Other Global Warming”) and worsen the threats to global security and stability. That Travel & Tourism will eventually feel the heat is a foregone conclusion. In a macabre quirk of […]
more…3 Nov, 2022
How to find and retain staff post-Covid? Try compassion, empathy and fairness
Bangkok: Sukamal Mondal is one of a rising generation of Indian-born management executives in global Travel & Tourism. Since moving from China to Thailand in 2012, the Mandarin-speaking hotelier has risen to Area General Manager of eight properties of the Onyx Hospitality Group, owned by the Thai business conglomerate Italthai. As Thai tourism goes from […]
more…24 Oct, 2022
PATA Summit topics all “Old Hat”, says industry veteran
When the Covid-19 crisis began in 2020 and hit its peak in 2021, the global travel & tourism industry saw some glimmer of hope that it would soon come to an end. Recovery and resilience campaigns emerged on the drawing boards, with three mantras dominating the discourse: 1) Build Back Better; 2) Create a New […]
more…29 Sep, 2022
“Rethinking Tourism” on the agenda at the Foreign Correspondents Club of Thailand
Bangkok — I enjoyed a refreshing and stimulating World Tourism Day discussion on “Rethinking Tourism” at the Foreign Correspondents Club of Thailand, the oldest, largest and most active foreign media club in Southeast Asia. Here are some of the core takeaways from the Sept 28 panel discussion: 1. Senator Weerasak Kowsurat, a former Thai tourism […]
more…29 Aug, 2022
Now in Thailand: Asia’s first Alliance of Civilisations visitor experience
Bangkok – More by chance than design, Thailand has created Asia’s first Alliance of Civilisations visitor experience. Initiated by the Thai Foreign Ministry, primarily to serve a diplomatic purpose, the “Community of Three Religions” offers a perfect base for designing a global community-based Travel & Tourism model in the post-Covid era. As the widely-forecast Clash […]
more…19 Aug, 2022
“13 Lives” Thai actor hopes film delivers a Greater Good for Thailand and the world
Bangkok – The hugely positive global reaction to the movie “13 Lives” will be a marketing bonanza for Thai travel & tourism but one of its lead Thai actors says he truly hopes it will go beyond that and deliver a greater good for Thai society and humanity at large. In an interview last week, […]
more…15 Aug, 2022
India at 75: At the Epicentre of a Clash of Civilisations
India marked the 75th anniversary of its independence on Aug 15 with widespread soul-searching about its past, present and future. The country is now the epicentre of the Clash of Civilisations, openly pursuing a “Muslim-mukt” (Muslim-free) agenda that will take at least a few decades to succeed. The path ahead is strewn with conflict and […]
more…9 Aug, 2022
Sixteen thought-prompting takeaways from “Thirteen Lives”
Released worldwide last week, “Thirteen Lives” is much more than just a movie. In a world obsessed with story-telling, it is a Grand Story of the first order. Like all stories of heroism, it can be viewed, enjoyed and forgotten, or it can be studied as a work of art or literature. I opted for […]
more…8 Aug, 2022
The Travel Industry Journalists Who Took a Stand Against War, and Made History
In January 2003, a group of 44 journalists made history by co-signing the first anti-war statement ever issued by the Travel & Tourism industry. Released at the first ASEAN Tourism Forum held in Cambodia, the journalists’ petition was a follow-up to an official anti-war statement released also for the first time at the same event […]
more…14 Jul, 2022
Sri Lankan turmoil shows it failed to learn the lessons of a 26-year civil war
Watching the turmoil in Sri Lanka these days reminded me of a UNWTO conference on “Tourism: A Catalyst for Development, Peace and Reconciliation” held in the northern Sri Lanka township of Passikudah in July 2016. It was organised by the Sri Lankan tourism authorities with the support of the then UNWTO Secretary-General Dr Taleb Rifai, […]
more…11 Jul, 2022
Thai-Saudi travel set to boom after red-carpet treatment for Riyadh business delegation
Bangkok — A team of more than 100 high-level delegates from Saudi Arabia visited Thailand between 3-7 July 2022 as part of the roadmap set by the two countries following the historic diplomatic patch-up in January 2022. The group consisted of 57 corporate executives plus senior representatives of the Saudi Tourism Authority, the Saudi Fund […]
more…20 Jun, 2022
How the new Thai privacy protection law will hurt tourism marketing, networking and MICE events
Phuket – The Thailand Travel Mart Plus held in Phuket between 8-10 June 2022 was the first local travel trade show since the enforcement of the Personal Data Protection Act. That led to some immediate and multiple changes in the way information about the participants was displayed. Whether the law did anything to protect anyone’s […]
more…16 Jun, 2022
Back to the Future: The Most Important Thai Tourism Crisis Recovery Meeting Ever Held
Many meetings are being held these days to plan for a post-Covid tourism REcovery… Most are just REhashing and REcycling old ideas and solutions. None come even close to matching the intellectual firepower and recommendations of arguably the most important crisis recovery meeting ever held in Thai tourism history. Please click here to email confirmation […]
more…14 Jun, 2022
Successful Thailand Travel Mart in Phuket gives impetus to rebounding visitor arrivals
Phuket — Thailand’s rebounding tourism industry is set to gather steam following a successful Thailand Travel Mart Plus in Phuket between 8-10 June 2022. A total of 277 buyers from 42 countries and 62 international media got a first hand look at the leading Thai resort island’s range of products and services. And a total […]
more…3 Jun, 2022
Will PATA’s new hybrid chairman raise a Voice for the Voiceless?
Bangkok – If hybrid meetings, cars and work-places are now the “in” thing, why not hybrid leaders? In the post-Covid era, the new chairman of PATA could well be the first of that generation. Peter Semone was elected to lead this once formidable travel institution in the midst of a perfect storm. The pandemic is […]
more…17 May, 2022
A Prominent Thai Buddhist monk’s alternative path to Reopening, Recovery, Resilience
Bangkok – One of Thailand’s prominent Buddhist monks has flipped all the conventional textbook theories of crisis management with a heart-warming personal perspective on the prevailing “Reopening, Recovery, Resilience” agenda. The simple but profound wisdom shared by the Venerable Phra Anil Sakya, the Rector of Mahamakut Buddhist University, won him a round of polite applause […]
more…14 May, 2022
134-member Thai team off to Saudi Arabia to spur ties across multiple sectors
Bangkok – A mammoth delegation of 134 Thai public and private sector representatives is to depart for Saudi Arabia on 15 May for four days of intensive, multi-sectoral meetings that will give a huge fillip to relations between the world’s two most populous Buddhist and Islamic kingdoms. The delegation will be led by Mr. Don […]
more…7 Apr, 2022
Health and Wellness: 30 Daily Reasons why Ramadan is Better than Yoga
As interest in Health and Wellness is surging globally in the wake of the Covid-19 catastrophe, I have prepared a series of daily posts to promote the vast physical, mental, spiritual, social, economic and environmental benefits of Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting. These benefits of the world’s largest joint movement regrettably get lost in […]
more…1 Feb, 2022
35 Years On: How Visit Thailand Year 1987 Revolutionised Global Tourism
The year 2022 marks the 35th anniversary of Visit Thailand Year 1987, the record-breaking marketing extravaganza which revolutionised the Thai and global tourism industry. What lessons can be learned from its successes and failures? How can it help design a new post-pandemic model for global tourism? As Thailand Bureau Chief for the then leading travel […]
more…28 Jan, 2022
Thai Saudi Relations Take a New Turn – A Ray of Light in a World of Darkness
This special report focuses on the diplomatic rapprochement between Thailand and Saudi Arabia, the background to and impact of the 32-year conflict, and the huge benefits now set to accrue for the peoples of both countries and the regions and the world at large. Click on the image to access the YouTube link….
more…23 Jan, 2022
To Tax or Not To Tax: The Dilemma Facing Thai Tourism
Thai Government revenues have fallen precipitously as a result of the pandemic, and so have tourism budgets. Paying for medical emergencies as well as the consequences of Acts of God and self-inflicted crises is no longer possible. A 300 baht tourist tax is in the works. The idea is proving controversial, and also opening up […]
more…9 Jan, 2022
Time for Brand name Travel & Tourism CEOs to Change Their Tune? Part 1
This current generation of CEOs is inheriting a bigger mess than ever. They claim to see opportunities, but I don’t see too many of them talking about the hazards, risks and threats of the chaos which prevails today. Have they learned the lessons of history? After inheriting the mess created by the outgoing generation, the […]
more…4 Nov, 2021
Power of History Lecture II: How Visit Thailand Year 1987 Revolutionised Global Tourism
2022 has been declared yet another “Visit Thailand Year”. But how much is known today about the original Visit Thailand Year 1987, the record-breaking marketing extravaganza which raised the Thai and entire global tourism industry to a whole new level? Not much at all. As Thailand Bureau Chief for the then leading travel trade publication […]
more…26 Oct, 2021
India’s split-personality psyche exposed by a cricket match in Dubai
If the Indian tourism industry is pondering the country’s future brand image and reputation, it need look no further than the aftermath of the 24 Oct cricket match with arch-rival Pakistan at the ICC T20 World Cup tournament in Dubai. The contrasting reactions are a clear reflection of India’s current split-personality psyche and the political-social-cultural-economic […]
more…13 Oct, 2021
As the doors reopen, will Thai tourism walk the Prime Minister’s talk?
Bangkok – In his speech to the UN General Assembly (UNGA) annual summit on 25 September 2021, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said, “I believe that the crises and challenges we face today have presented us with an opportunity to learn from past lessons, to reorient our approach and to better prepare for the future.” If […]
more…8 Oct, 2021
Will Travel & Tourism take the whistleblower claims against Facebook seriously, or ignore them?
The widely-publicised revelations by Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen create an opportunity to rethink and reset relations between the techno-oligarchs and the Travel & Tourism sector, and also rectify the long-standing, grossly imbalanced content of Travel Tech forums. Facebook along with its first cousins Google, Amazon, TripAdvisor, AirBnB and other techno-oligarchs have long dominated the Travel […]
more…2 Oct, 2021
Inaugural Global Lecture: “25 Women Who Put Thai Tourism on the Global Map”
As Thailand is reopening to tourism, a look back may help us look ahead more clearly. I am proud to be the first to launch this “Power of History” lecture series. All will be FREE but BY INVITATION ONLY.
more…30 Sep, 2021
Veteran Malaysian tour guide proves high-touch can beat high-tech in post-Covid era
The tour guide is one of the many travel industry professions threatened by the high-tech revolution. But one award-winning Malaysian guide of Punjabi-Sikh ethnic origin who speaks English, Malay, Hindi and Tamil can prove that high-touch delivers in ways high-tech never can. Upskilling herself with a high-touch Muslim-Friendly Tour Guide training course enriched her personally […]
more…28 Sep, 2021
Israel makes clear plan to wipe Palestine off the map; Travel & Tourism sure to face the consequences
Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett gave what I consider to be the most dangerous speech of all those delivered at the 76th UN General Assembly, which ended on 27 September. He made it clear, without saying a word about the topic, that Israel will stay the course of wiping Palestine off the map — and […]
more…22 Sep, 2021
R.I.P. Mrs Chitdee Rangvara, one of Thailand’s top tourism PR professionals in the 1980s
Bangkok – Mrs Chitdee Rangvara, one of Thailand’s leading tourism communications professionals of the 1970s/80s, passed away on 21 Sept 2021, aged 93. She had been suffering from senility related to old age. (Correction: The earlier version of this post said she was suffering from Alzheimers). She was primarily responsible for Thai Airways International’s PR […]
more…13 Sep, 2021
9/11 memorials expose the superficial, imbalanced reactions of Travel & Tourism
Last week, the world united in observing the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, widely described as “The Day That Changed the World”. Because commercial aircraft were used as live missiles in the horrific attacks, the Transportation, Travel & Tourism sectors were the first to face the resulting geopolitical and military backlash. Two apex international […]
more…10 Sep, 2021
R.I.P. Lakshman Ratnapala: The man who put “Asia” into the Pacific Asia Travel Association
Lakshman Ratnapala, 82, the first Asian President and CEO of the Pacific Asia Travel Association, passed away on 08 Sept 2021 after a brief illness related to Parkinson’s Disease. He is survived by his wife Barbara. The couple had no children. Born Nihal Lakshman in the Sri Lankan village of Veyangoda, Mr Ratnapala studied for […]
more…2 Sep, 2021
The Future of Travel & Tourism Leadership
Bangkok – September is the most important month for Travel & Tourism. It commemorates both the International Day of Peace (21 Sept) and the International Day of Tourism (27 Sept). This Sept 2021 will be extra significant because of the 20th anniversary of 9/11, the geopolitical failure of America’s longest war and the global socio-economic […]
more…9 Aug, 2021
Phuket is facing the wrath of Karma
BANGKOK – The cause-and-effect laws of Karma are fundamental to Buddhism and many other Asian ways of life. As you sow, so shall you reap, perhaps not immediately but many years later or even in the next life. Today, they are being proved right, big time. When the rampant “development” of Phuket began in the […]
more…1 Jul, 2021
Inaugural “Power of History” Lecture: The Rise and Fall of PATA
Click here to register Click here to register The same lecture can be given privately at a more convenient time for those interested. For further inquiries and info, please email: travelimpact2@gmail.com
more…30 Jun, 2021
REviving Thai tourism: Will the rush for short-term gain again lead to long-term pain?
By Montira Unakul and Imtiaz Muqbil Bangkok — The upcoming 13th National Economic and Social Development Plan (NESDP) 2021-26 will be the most important since the five-year plans were initiated in 1961. As Thailand, ASEAN, the Asia-Pacific region and the world are all entering a New post-Covid Era, and everyone is in “REthink-REstructure-REdesign-REboot” mode, REwiring […]
more…23 Jun, 2021
What the next Thai Five-Year Development Plan says about the Future of Tourism
Bangkok – Thailand’s 13th National Economic and Social Development Plan covering the five-year period Oct 2021-Sept 2026 is in the drafting stage and nearing finalisation. A number of public hearings on the Travel & Tourism component are being held this week. To ensure a broader and more comprehensive input, I downloaded the Thai summary of […]
more…18 Jun, 2021
An Open Letter to TAT Governor Yuthasak Supasorn: The Survival of TAT is at Stake
18 June 2021 Attn – Khun Yuthasak Supasorn, Governor, Tourism Authority of Thailand. From – Imtiaz Muqbil, Executive Editor, Travel Impact Newswire. Dear Governor Yuthasak — สวัสดีครับ and Greetings With the vaccination process full steam ahead, a few hiccups notwithstanding, Thai Prime Minister Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha’s speech on 16 June has paved the way for […]
more…1 Jun, 2021
An Open Letter to Mr Bill Heinecke, Chairman, Minor International Corp., Thailand
01 June 2021 Attn – Khun Bill Heinecke, Founder and Chairman, Minor International Corporation From – Imtiaz Muqbil, Executive Editor, Travel Impact Newswire. Ref: Your letter of 27 May to Thai Prime Minister Gen (Retd) Prayuth Chan-ocha Dear Bill – Greetings. As always, your latest letter to the Prime Minister proved to be a popular […]
more…23 Mar, 2021
Book on Anand Panyarachun shows why a “New Normal” may prove elusive for Thailand and Thai Tourism
Bangkok – As Thailand charts a recovery from the Covid-19 catastrophe, the hills are alive with calls for a “New Normal”. They have been heard before. Exactly 30 years ago this month (March 1991), the Thai military appointed Mr Anand Panyarachun, today one of the country’s most recognised statesmen, to craft a “New Normal” after […]
more…18 Mar, 2021
Mekong tourism chief’s resignation raises the bar for the Value of Values
Bangkok – When Jens Thraenhart resigned as Executive Director of the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office, he became, to the best of my knowledge, the first head of a multilateral travel industry grouping to quit in defense of his “values.” The official press release said he had quit for “personal reasons”. It also referred to “external […]
more…27 Feb, 2021
Empty Los Angeles Hotels Converting Rooms into Homes for the Homeless
LOS ANGELES, Feb. 25, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — The Hotel Association of Los Angeles (HALA) announced today the launch of “Hotels for Homes,” a renewed effort to survey hotel owners to determine partners for the City and County of Los Angeles to provide safe shelter for those in need. This is a continuation of the LA […]
more…27 Feb, 2021
New study shows what brought couples closer together this past Valentine’s Day!
MIAMI, Feb. 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Ella Paradis, one of the premier sexual health & wellness eCommerce retailers, released a new study today examining people’s experiences with sex toys this past Valentine’s Day, as well as the improvement in their relationships and their sex lives. The results show increasing interest in sex toys as stigmas continue […]
more…25 Feb, 2021
In Memoriam: Indonesian tourism leader who championed spirituality, balance and peace
Mr I. Gede Ardika, former Indonesian Minister of Tourism and Culture, who passed away on 20 Feb 2021, was the only leader who recognised and championed the higher purpose and value of tourism. While others saw expenditure, jobs and economic growth, Mr Ardika saw spirituality, balance and peace. Witness these opening slides of his presentation […]
more…11 Feb, 2021
From Condoms to Face Masks: How Thailand beat the AIDS pandemic
Inaugural lecture of a multi-part series tracking the Rise and Fall of Thailand: The Greatest Story in Global Tourism HiSTORY by Travel Impact Newswire Executive Editor Imtiaz Muqbil, the Asia-Pacific region’s leading journalist-cum-historian. Unique Selling Proposition NO FINANCIAL SPONSORS – to facilitate frank, independent discussion and debate. Strong critical thinking approach. Perfect learning opportunity for […]
more…13 Jan, 2021
IATA urges “balanced approach” to tackle severe side-effects of Covid-19 tourism economy collapse
Geneva, 12 January 2021 — The International Air Transport Association is vehemently urging global governments to adopt a balanced approach that will keep the Covid-19 virus in check while preventing economies from becoming victims of “the severe side-effects” of the travel & tourism restrictions. Speaking at a media briefing, Mr Alexandre de Juniac, the IATA […]
more…10 Jan, 2021
Travellers’ average age, spending drops in post-Covid era
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., Jan. 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Almost one year following the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, the travel landscape is still unrecognizable from years past. Using data from trips booked in 2020, travel insurance comparison website, Squaremouth.com, reports that almost everything about travel has changed. Average Traveler Age Drops Squaremouth reports the average […]
more…29 Dec, 2020
A Compendium of Insightful Speeches on Thailand: The Greatest Story in Global Tourism HiSTORY
Bangkok — The Covid-19 crisis stifled what was to be a glorious year of celebrations marking the 60th anniversary of the Tourism Authority of Thailand and Thai Airways International. While 2020 turned out to be a year of commiseration, hitting the lowest point of a probable V-shaped recovery makes it the best time for some […]
more…19 Dec, 2020
Vaccine politics: Why Travel & Tourism workers should be prioritised
by Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism, Jamaica Introduction: Tourism before the pandemic Over the past several decades, tourism has experienced continuous growth and diversification to become one of the fastest growing economic sectors in the world (UNWTO, 2019). International tourist arrivals increased from 25.3 million in 1950 to 1138 million in 2014 to 1500 million […]
more…26 Nov, 2020
Research Shows Younger Millennials Demand Societal Change, Their Top Concerns Now Include Death, Losing Loved Ones and Mental Health
NEW YORK, Nov. 24, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — A new research study of more than 1,000 young Americans aged 14 to 28 found Generation Z and younger Millennials cited “equality for all” among their top hopes, “death and losing loved ones” among their top fears, and “better access to mental and emotional health services” as their […]
more…26 Nov, 2020
U.S., Thai Space Research Scientists Develop App to Monitor Air Quality in Mekong region
COLUMBIA, Md., Nov. 24, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Universities Space Research Association (USRA) scientists have collaboratively developed a web application that will help mitigate the impact of air pollution in Thailand where seasonal air pollution resulting from forest fires and agricultural burning create a major human health issues. The new app builds on existing air quality […]
more…17 Nov, 2020
U.S. Govt faces accountability for reportedly spying on Muslims using data from religious apps
WASHINGTON, DC – 11/16/2020 — CAIR media release – The Council on American-Islamic Relations, a leading U.S. Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today strongly condemned the U.S. government’s reported use of personal data from popular Muslim religious applications to target Muslims around the world, called for a congressional inquiry into the possible warrantless surveillance […]
more…13 Nov, 2020
WHO Director-General hails Thai success in containing Covid-19, urges world to follow suit
Geneva — World Health Organisation Director General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has hailed Thailand’s success in battling the Covid-19 virus as “an excellent example that with a whole-of-government, whole-of-society, comprehensive approach, this virus can be contained – even without a vaccine.” Delivering his closing remarks at the World Health Assembly on 13 November 2020, Dr […]
more…13 Nov, 2020
SDG 8, Decent Work, Dominates Entries by 30 Finalists of The Hospitality Challenge
LAUSANNE, Switzerland (PRWEB) November 12, 2020 – In June 2020, the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and Sommet Education launched the Hospitality Challenge. This was designed to identify ideas and individuals capable of accelerating the recovery of the tourism sector in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The initiative has received almost 600 applications from all […]
more…10 Nov, 2020
World Resources Institute hails Biden win as a “New Day for Climate, Equity and the Economy”
WASHINGTON (November 7, 2020) — Joseph R. Biden and Kamala D. Harris have been elected as the next president and vice president of the United States. They received the most votes by a presidential ticket in U.S. history and were able to win several states that Donald Trump won in 2016. The U.S. House […]
more…6 Nov, 2020
Volvo Cars Thailand launches an expansive new warehouse in Thailand
BANGKOK, 5 November 2020 – Volvo Cars Thailand has launched a new dedicated Volvo warehouse for the first time in Thailand. The “Volvo Car Thailand Central Distribution & Training Center” (VCT CDTC) on Bangna-Trad Road Km 23, Samut Prakan Province, spread over an area of 23,331 square meters, is set to become Volvo’s one-stop hub […]
more…5 Nov, 2020
Enter the tourism industry’s new normal: Learning to live with the pandemic
by Julian Spindler Thailand’s world-class tourism industry, one of the twin drivers of our economy, is in a deep, coronavirus-induced coma, close to death. No life support is currently available. Pandemic paranoia has gripped the nation, freezing our bio-security risk management in full containment mode, meaning zero tolerance for local Covid-19 transmission. The socio-economic, and […]
more…3 Nov, 2020
25 Years since the death of the slogan “Peace Promotes Tourism”
Tomorrow, Nov 4, the world will be mesmerised by the U.S. elections. Forgotten in the heat of the political competition will be the 25th anniversary of The Day The World Really Changed — the assassination of Yitzhak Rabin, Israeli Prime Minister and Nobel Peace Prize winner, by a Jewish fanatic extremist terrorist named Yigal Amir. […]
more…29 Oct, 2020
The Best Speech I Ever Wrote for the Thai Minister of Tourism and Sports
Between 1995-2020, a full 25 years, I did a voluminous amount of contract work for the Tourism Authority of Thailand, including writing nearly all the speeches for their senior executives at major events such as the ITB Berlin, World Travel Market, Arabian Travel Market, etc. Looking back, the best speech I ever wrote was for […]
more…28 Oct, 2020
A 71st birthday tribute to the late Dr Surin Pitsuwan
Today would have been the 71st birthday of the late Dr Surin Pitsuwan, former ASEAN Secretary-General and Thai Foreign Minister. I am honoured to have been his friend and colleague over his distinguished career as one of Thailand’s finest politicians and technocrats. His many brilliant speeches and visionary activities, which I proudly covered, ranged from […]
more…26 Oct, 2020
To solve Thailand’s latest crisis, try reading a TAT brochure
Bangkok – What is happening in Thailand today is not actually supposed to be happening at all. According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand marketing brochures, this is a land of meditation, peace, tranquility and happiness full of friendly, hospitable, service-minded people who eat healthy food, holiday in dream destinations and bask in the harmony […]
more…24 Oct, 2020
Have Your Say: What do you think about the political protests in Thailand?
Bangkok — The ongoing political protests are sure to have a long-term impact on the future of Thailand, in equal measure as the economic fallout from the Covid-19 pandemic. While the latter is getting saturation coverage in the travel trade media, the former is getting none. Such intellectual cowardice is typical of the Travel & […]
more…16 Oct, 2020
Thailand in crisis: Applying draconian medical solutions to political problems risks killing the patient
Bangkok – For several years, the Thai Travel & Tourism industry has marketed “Health & Wellness” as a major competitive niche. Campaigns have highlighted grassroots preventive measures such as Thai massage and meditation alongside curative capabilities such as qualified medical practitioners and high-tech, well-managed hospitals. Today, that holistic medical formula is entirely missing in the […]
more…15 Oct, 2020
Thailand’s image in a tailspin, will worsen recovery from Covid-19 crisis
Bangkok – Thailand’s carefully cultivated image as a country of peaceful, friendly, hospitable and service-minded people is again in a tailspin, thanks to a government crackdown on anti-establishment protestors. An official decree declaring a “Serious Emergency Situation” in Bangkok met with a response just 12 hours later from the civil society group, Asian Forum for […]
more…15 Oct, 2020
German flag waved at Thai protest rallies
Bangkok — The German flag is being waved at the anti-establishment protest rallies now under way in Bangkok. Due to the sensitive nature of the rallies and the potential threats to journalists reporting on them, this is being pointed out only as a matter of fact. However, it is not at all very difficult to […]
more…12 Oct, 2020
Survey Reveals The Impact Of Poor Sleep Quality On Mental Health During Covid
NORTH HOLLYWOOD, Calif. (PRWEB) October 10, 2020 – American mattress company, Puffy, has today released findings from a nationwide sleep survey exploring sleep quality, habits, mental health and well-being in 2020. Puffy surveyed over 4,400 adults from all 50 US states to capture how current world events, employment, health, and lifestyle changes have impacted perceptions […]
more…26 Sep, 2020
Edition 2: 21 Trends, Risks, Ideas, Policies and Strategies (TRIPS) to help decision-makers Build Back Better
Tourism Will Never Look The Same Again – Skyscanner Publishes New Trends Report Search patterns for domestic, regional and international flights indicate that recovery will be multispeed, tied to the global economy and driven by low cost carriers. At the same time, the decline in business travel revenues for other airlines calls for a rethink […]
more…26 Sep, 2020
Covid-19 Leaves Most Millennials Strapped for Cash, TD Bank Survey Finds
COVID-19 has placed additional strain on a generation already saddled with significant debt and increased living costs. More than 28% of millennials said they tapped into their emergency savings during the pandemic. Furthermore, one-in-five (20%) millennials don’t even have a savings account. CHERRY HILL, N.J., 22 September 2020, PRNewswire – TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank®, […]
more…26 Sep, 2020
Marketers Struggle to Forge the Future of Customer Experience
“Marketers have plenty of data, but now it’s about leveraging that data across channels and organizational touchpoints in real-time and in a way that feels personal, relevant and even anticipatory. This is the marketer’s mandate today.” In other words: Data, Data everywhere, but not a stat that makes any sense. SAN JOSE, Calif., 22 September […]
more…25 Sep, 2020
Tourism Will Never Look The Same Again – Skyscanner Publishes New Trends Report
Search patterns for domestic, regional and international flights indicate that recovery will be multispeed, tied to the global economy and driven by low cost carriers. At the same time, the decline in business travel revenues for other airlines calls for a rethink of this part of the industry. LONDON, 22 September 2020, PRNewswire – Leading […]
more…25 Sep, 2020
How you look impacts on how you well you can sell, study shows
These novel findings, published in the prestigious international academic publication Journal of Marketing, give social sellers and e-marketers insight about how to leverage seller appearances in online selling. HONG KONG, 22 September 2020, PRNewswire – The COVID-19 pandemic has boosted e-commerce around the globe, including the consumer to consumer (C2C) markets on platforms such as […]
more…25 Sep, 2020
Spread of Covid-19 Set to Create $8.5 Billion Clean Room Robot Markets by 2025
Looks like hotel housekeeping staff will need to shift their skills towards maintaining robots. DUBLIN, 22 September 2020, PRNewswire – The clean room robot market (including prices of peripherals, software, and system engineering) was valued at USD 5.6 billion in 2019 and is expected to grow to USD 8.5 billion by 2025, at a CAGR […]
more…25 Sep, 2020
International students’ learning activities seriously disturbed by Covid-19 pandemic
“The pandemic has impacted the physical and psychological wellbeing of international/non-local higher education students. Universities should do more to help international students to obtain proper health information and learn about local social and healthcare support systems, as well as improve psychological support.” HONG KONG, 22 September 2020, PRNewswire – In a recent survey conducted by […]
more…25 Sep, 2020
Remote work set to nearly triple in post-Covid world, reports XpertHR Survey
“COVID-19 will shape the working world for years to come, in particular contributing to a rise in remote work set to last beyond the end of the current health crisis. Given the tremendous strains placed on workers during the pandemic, such as fear of layoffs, isolation of remote work, increased caregiving and homeschooling responsibilities, and […]
more…25 Sep, 2020
Survey finds Americans are prioritizing saving during Covid-19 outbreak
“With today’s economic uncertainty, many people have taken steps to adjust their financial habits to save more and better prepare for the unexpected.” This is probably a worldwide trend, and will put another damper on discretionary spending, such as on travel. BIRMINGHAM, Ala., 21 September 2020, BUSINESS WIRE – The latest survey from Regions Next Step, Regions […]
more…25 Sep, 2020
FREE Download: Citrix Research Reveals Shape of Future Workplaces – More Robots, Fewer Managers
“Driven by flexible models and intelligent solutions that remove the complexity and noise from work, employees will be more engaged and productive and fuel innovation and growth like never before.” FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., 21 September 2020, BUSINESS WIRE – What does the future of work hold? In a world where it’s impossible to predict what will happen […]
more…25 Sep, 2020
Covid-19 Reshuffles Healthcare Executives’ Priorities
“Healthcare leaders are accelerating digital and payment transformation, with an emphasis on the consumer experience, telehealth, and interoperability. As a result, stakeholders are increasing investment in healthcare IT and fast-tracking initiatives to help prepare for the pandemic’s aftermath and future pandemics.” The result “could be a real game-changer for payers, providers, and consumers.” NASHVILLE, Tenn., […]
more…25 Sep, 2020
Visa Helps Prepare Small Businesses for the Holiday Buying Season
This is a laudable lifeline for Small Businesses. While it will certainly help them survive over the short-term, it will also accelerate the long-term shift towards contactless payments and cryptocurrencies. The jury is still out on those, with a lot more homework needed to assess their impact on security, privacy and, at a broader level, […]
more…25 Sep, 2020
Avaya Enables Students and Teachers to Bridge the Gap in the Digital Classroom Era
Another example of the edu-revolution set to roll out, impacting international education. Students will be able to access quality education from anywhere, at significantly reduced costs and minus the onerous visa requirements. Student travel worldwide will certainly be impacted. SANTA CLARA, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE – Avaya (NYSE: AVYA), which claims to be a global leader in solutions […]
more…24 Sep, 2020
American Workers Experiencing Work-From-Home Culture Shock
The Work-From-Home culture is creating a whole new set of risks, threats and opportunities, and will prove to be a double-edged sword for Travel & Tourism. Traffic rush-hours may become a thing of the past but corporate espionage will become a piece of cake. MINNEAPOLIS, 21 September 2020, BUSINESS WIRE – Today, EPIC unveiled the results of […]
more…24 Sep, 2020
Taiwan Claims Launch of World’s First Business Speed-dating Platform
These techno-events will impact the MICE sector in the same way that social media has decimated the traditional media and OTAs decimated the travel agents. Given the pressure on costs and the growing time-hassle factor of travelling, business matchmaking platforms will become perfectly viable alternatives to trade shows. Convention Centres and MICE bureaux face some […]
more…24 Sep, 2020
Stand together and build a just world, UN chief says in Int’l Day of Peace message
Even though Peace is the basic prerequisite for Tourism, this important commemorative day is usually ignored by the Travel & Tourism industry. Long after the Covid-19 pandemic fades into history, Travel & Tourism flows worldwide will continue to face the threat of regional, local and global conflicts, all of them man-made. Do industry leaders ever […]
more…24 Sep, 2020
Global solution to Covid-19 in sight, ‘we sink or we swim together’ – WHO chief
Why isn’t the Travel & Tourism industry inviting public health officials to give talks on the prospects and politics of vaccine development? I have yet to see them on any of the “resilience, recovery, rebuild, restructure, etc., etc.,” forums, local, regional or global. As normalcy will not return until a vaccine is made public, the […]
more…24 Sep, 2020
Peace Pilot completes circumnavigation of the only two places on Earth where there has always been peace
What a trip! Travel & Tourism could do with more such inspirational adventures. SAN DIEGO, 21 September 2020, BUSINESS WIRE – Nine months and several “pandemic pauses” after takeoff on a planned five-month global Pole-to-Pole peace mission “One Planet, One People, One Plane: Oneness for Humanity,” San Diego pilot and former Naval officer Robert DeLaurentis returned home […]
more…24 Sep, 2020
The future of MICE events in the age of machines: The Great Wave—a Transformative, Global Business Festival
Travel & Tourism forums are badly in need of some heavy-duty restructuring away from their boring and now outdated structure. This event offers some brainstorming ideas. BERLIN, 21 September 2020, BUSINESS WIRE – The House of Beautiful Business, a global think tank and community to humanize business in the age of machines, officially announces the full scope […]
more…24 Sep, 2020
Covid-19 forces one of the biggest surges in tech investment in history
This news may make the tech sector salivate, but the speed and scope of the upheaval will only replace one set of problems with another. That will create more headaches, especially for the Travel & Tourism sector. LONDON, 22 September 2020, PRNewswire – Companies spent the equivalent of around US$15bn extra a week on technology to […]
more…24 Sep, 2020
FORTUNE announces Sixth Annual “Change the World” List of Companies That Are Doing Well By Doing Good
Does such a list exist in Travel & Tourism? May be worth replicating. NEW YORK, 21 September 2020, PRNewswire – Today, FORTUNE reveals its sixth annual “Change the World” list, which showcases over 50 companies that have made an important social or environmental impact through their profit-making strategy and operations this year. Companies are recognized for innovative business strategies […]
more…24 Sep, 2020
Employers brace for mental health crisis
The disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic will lead to significant increases in human insecurity and instability, as this report indicates. Families already under financial stress will face the highest levels of mental stress. That may create another opportunity, or aggravate existing social crises like alcoholism and domestic violence. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn., 21 September 2020, PRNewswire – Mental […]
more…24 Sep, 2020
Report probes how employers can improve job satisfaction and retention in post-Covid era
This report is for sale, but provides a good template for HR departments to conduct a similar exercise. The questions asked are quite enlightening in themselves. INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev., 21 September 2020, PRNewswire – MetricNet has published the results of its 2020 Job Satisfaction and Employee Retention Survey. The complete 100+ page report is now available for immediate […]
more…24 Sep, 2020
Life Insurance Industry Invests In Cognitive Health To Tackle Future Of Aging
This announcement says that the insurance industry is moving “towards serving the whole person — from heart disease and diabetes prevention to stress management, and, now, cognitive health.” In other words, prevention is better than cure to bolster profits. A holistic approach is essential, and early warnings are imperative. Same formula could be applied to […]
more…18 Sep, 2020
Edition 1: 21 Trends, Risks, Ideas, Policies and Strategies (TRIPS) to help decision-makers Build Back Better
A weekly roundup by Imtiaz Muqbil, one of the Asia-Pacific region’s longest-serving travel industry journalists, to help Travel & Tourism decision-makers absorb ideas, understand trends, monitor innovations and beware of risks and threats in the post-Covid era. To be published every Friday. Click on any of the links. Top UN economists warn of crises of […]
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