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…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 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 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: 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…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, more…27 Nov, 2023
FREE Lectures on Visit Thailand Year 1987 to mark HM the late King Bhumibhol’s 96th birth anniversary
Dec 5, 2023 will mark the 96th birth anniversary of His Majesty the late King Bhumibhol Adulyadej the Great. It will be His Majesty's 8th 12-year cycle birth anniversary. Exactly 36 years ago, in 1987, His Majesty's 5th cycle birth anniversary was marked with a momentous national celebration known as Visit Thailand 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 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 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 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 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 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, 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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, 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 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 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 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, 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 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 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 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 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 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, 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 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 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 more…14 Mar, 2023
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