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, 1992-93) spearheaded the membership […]
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 proving to be an important […]
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 Kiatphaibool, the TAT’s 11th […]
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 from the US, Japan, […]
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 legacy media, especially the travel […]
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 dance performances, hear FREE […]
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 people of Thailand are Buddhists, […]
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 being initiated across multiple sectors […]
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, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Joaquim Dias […]
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 find buyers amongst Thai […]
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 a tough battle, its mainstream […]
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 not so rosy ones, 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, economic and political systems worldwide. […]
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 baht opportunity for planning and […]
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 to the anti-Muslim, Islamophobic political […]
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 issues and opportunities in the […]
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 issued a report estimating that […]
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 Travel & Tourism […]
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, the International Trades Union […]
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 by 3.7% in real terms […]
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 by the Russian Federation in […]
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 the workforce, with rights for […]
more…14 Mar, 2023
Register here: 10 Simple, Creative Ways Thai Travel & Tourism SMEs can MAKE MORE MONEY
This post contains details of the registration process for the Executive Business Briefing on 28 March 2023 on “10 Simple, Creative Ways Thai Travel & Tourism SMEs can MAKE MORE MONEY.”
more…3 Mar, 2023
Organic and Balance Tourism featured at Thai “Happy Society” Fair
Nakhon Pathom, Thailand — Organic tourism and Balanced Tourism products were both prominently present at the 8th Annual Sookjai Organic Festival held at the Suan Sampran eco-resort (https://suansampran.com/) between February 17-19. They were among a vast spread of organic products and services on display, ranging from fruits and vegetables to arts, crafts, fashion accessories, cosmetics, […]
more…28 Feb, 2023
Change at the Top: Next Few Months Will be Critical for PATA
Bangkok – The first female and Asian-American appointed as CEO of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) has also turned out to be its shortest-serving. The 27 February 2023 announcement of the resignation of Ms Liz Ortiguera and the accompanying statement to the PATA membership by Chairman Peter Semone beg two questions: 1) What Happened? […]
more…17 Feb, 2023
Japan leads visa-free destination presence at revived Thai outbound travel show
Bangkok – Japan and the visa-free destinations of Northeast Asia and ASEAN took up an estimated 60% of the floor space at the 28th Thailand International Travel Fair held at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre in Bangkok between 16-19 February 2023. Saudi Arabia also made its inaugural appearance. The show has come back to […]
more…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 […]
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