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…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…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…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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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, 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 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 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 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 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 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 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”. 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 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 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 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
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