Thailand - what do we need?

TravelMole Guest Comment by Andrew J Wood, general manager of Chaophya Park Hotel & Resorts in Bangkok, president Skal International Bangkok, Skal councilor Thailand and Skal Asian area director of development.

Thailand's tourism industry is asking what can be done to spearhead a recovery programme.

We need to quickly put together a recovery roadmap. It will involve all sectors of the industry and government. The damage has been colossal.

It must include the airlines, Board of Investment [BOI] the Department of Export Promotion [DEP] and should draw in the ministries involving finance, trade and industry and should be spearheaded by the Ministry of Tourism and Sport or the PM himself. Skal International will be more than happy to contribute along with ATTA, THA, TICA, PATA.

We need promotional packages and incentives.

We need amazing air fares and fam trips.

We need to get the message across that not one tourist was hurt during the closure of the airport: the airport was left intact by the demonstrators - no vandalism, graffiti or damage of any kind.

We need to spread the word that Thailand is and continues to be a wonderful diverse tourism destination, great beaches, food, spas, hotels, nature, sports, smiles etc.

We need a huge journalist programme to get articles and stories of "back to normal".

We need photo/i-phone competitions, activities, promotions and advertising.

We need more roadshows and to attend more trade shows.

We need budgets to make a big enough impact.

When shall we start?

Now?

Thursday, December 4, 2008

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To early for Thailand rescue campaign

Andrew Woods has identified many of the key things that need to be done to re-position Thailand as a tourism destination people should think about in the future. However for any campaign to bring about any meaningful results it needs, as Mr Woods correctly points out, the involvement of the BOI, TAT and various other Thai ministries and departments. One can't help thinking that given the recent changes to visa regulations in Thailand that getting a sensible, intelligent and combined effort from Thai authorities is about as hopeful as thinking the political protests are over. Having formulated and implemented a similar rescue campaign for Bali after the 2002 bombings any rescue campaign is going to be a hard sell and require the sort of effort, dedication, determination and imagination that the BOI, TAT and Thai government departments are not renowned for. More importantly, until the current political situation is finally resolved, which at this point it isn't, any talk of putting Thailand back on the tourism radar is grossly premature.

By John Le Fevre, Monday, December 8, 2008
Timing is everything

Andrew has made some very valid comments. His enthusiasm is to be commended. Putting together a co-ordinated plan is key with all stakeholders of Tourism in Thailand. But, so is timing. There are a plethora of other bad news events taking place. Unfortunately the recent tragic events in Mumbai and the Congo have led the way. The truth is, the public forget. Graphic images fade. The public have become more resilient and are not easily put off anymore. Let a respectable time pass, then launch an initiative that encompasses Andrew's points. In fairness the current market conditions dictates that action will be required at any rate if Thailand wants to retain international market share. In the short term. Then domestic tourism, Mice etc is the room filler. Good luck. Chris May (ex Jetlife, H&J, Tradewinds, Premier, Thomas Cook)

By Chris May, Friday, December 5, 2008