
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…10 Jan, 2020
Unmatched Lectures on Thailand: The Greatest Story in Global Tourism HiSTORY
Bangkok - This year marks the 60th anniversary of the Tourism Authority of Thailand and Thai Airways International, the two founding pillars of what is now the kingdom's largest service economy sector and job-creator. This meteoric rise did not happen by chance. It was the result of a broad range more…15 Nov, 2019
How 1987 Visit Thailand Year Revolutionised Global Travel & Tourism
One of the world's greatest tourism marketing extravaganzas, 1987 Visit Thailand Year changed the face of global Travel & Tourism. While establishing Thailand's marketing genius, it also exposed the kingdom's management deficiencies. Today, as the country prepares to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Tourism Authority of Thailand and Thai more…18 Mar, 2019
June 14, 2019: First Forum on The Greatest Story in Global Tourism HiSTORY
Bangkok – At 0900 hrs on March 18, exactly 59 years ago, what was then known as the Tourist Organisation of Thailand opened for business. Its duty, in the words of Gen Chalermchai Charuvastr, its first Director-General, was to promote visitor arrivals by "creating a wholesome image" of the Thai more…11 Apr, 2018
FREE DOWNLOAD: The Next Big Thing – Thailand Outbound Travel Report 2018
Bangkok -- Travel Impact Newswire Executive Editor Imtiaz Muqbil has made travel journalism history yet again by publishing the first report on the surging Thai outbound travel industry. The report is being made available FREE, thanks to support from Minister of Tourism and Sports Weerasak Kowsurat and Tourism Authority of Thailand more…17 Jul, 2017
FREE DOWNLOAD: The Olive Tree – How Travel & Tourism can Contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals
The Olive Tree is the first and only publication designed to help Travel & Tourism become a more committed part of the solution in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Free download. Click on any of the images below. ++++++++++ The Olive Tree Edition 20, July-August 2020 [caption id="attachment_60510" align="aligncenter" width="432"] Click on more…1 Dec, 2016
Call for Entries: The First ASEAN Travel & Tourism Hall of Fame
By Imtiaz Muqbil, Executive Editor, Travel Impact Newswire Bangkok – Today marks the launch of the ASEAN Travel & Tourism Hall of Fame (ATTHoF), the first global website to honour the achievements of the many industry veterans and stalwarts who elevated this robust and dynamic industry to its present heights. Click here more…1 May, 2016
Can The Travel & Tourism Industry Think?
In 1998, Singaporean diplomat Kishore Mahbubani, Professor in the Practice of Public Policy and Dean of the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at the National University of Singapore, published a book called “Can Asians Think?” One review of the book says: “Asia's economies are poised to surpass those of 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 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 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 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 [caption id="attachment_62031" align="aligncenter" width="196"] Edmund Bartlett[/caption] 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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. [caption id="attachment_61494" align="aligncenter" width="186"] Julian Spindler is a strategic communications consultant and long-time resident of Thailand. Since arriving in Thailand in 1969, Julian has worked as a journalist, 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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, 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 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 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 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 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 more…25 Sep, 2020