Report from Bangkok – PATA Travel Mart 2004: Set up on 03 October 2002, Thailand’s youngest ministry, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports…
Report from Bangkok – PATA Travel Mart 2004: Set up on 03 October 2002, Thailand’s youngest ministry, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, is moving ahead with an energetic programme designed to maintain and upgrade the quality and standards of Thai tourism products and destinations. Tourism and sports were merged under one ministry because they complement each in other in terms of activities under the umbrella of recreation and relaxation.
The ministry has a cabinet-level status and more administrative and operational power to address issues related to infrastructure development, environmental controls and legislative matters. Its main focus is ensuring that Thailand remains a high-quality and sustainable tourism destination.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) also comes under the Ministry but retains charge of international and domestic marketing only. Within the Ministry, specific charge for tourism has been given to a unit called Office of Tourism Development.
The ministry is responsible for setting policies and strategic action plans as well as working with the public and private sectors to ensure their effective and punctual implementation.
It is also responsible for training programmes, facilitating the usage of information technologies for administrative and management of tourism, and working with the government, private, local administrative organisations and community groups to ensure that tourism is properly managed.
Under a five-year plan covering the period 2004 – 2008, the Ministry will be working to facilitate the establishment of overland routes linking Thailand to its regional neighbours as well as promoting tourism cooperation under the framework of various regional and subregional groupings.
It will also develop a strong industry database and a professional Internet-based Call Centre to facilitate assistance for visitors on a 24-hours basis.
However, most of its efforts will be focussed on developing and restoring tourist attractions, especially the frequently visited popular ones. It will also be responsible for boosting safety and security for visitors.
One long overdue activity is to update tourism-related laws and regulations and ensure that the local public sector offices are well-equipped to enforce them.
Among some of the Ministry’s recent activities:
- In May 2004, the Ministry organised a Training course for Immigration Officers to help improve the services at various international border checkpoints. The two day training programme benefitted immigration officers from Don Muang, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phuket and Had Yai International Airports.
- An evaluation of homestay programmes was carried out to ensure quality before promoting it on a large scale. Pilot projects were initiated in June and July 2004 to satisfy eight standards: accommodation, food, hygiene, safety, tourism activities, environmental practises, value added products and marketing promotion.
- Language Training programmes have been organised for tour guides in Korean, Russian and Chinese, all huge emerging markets that need qualified guides. A total of 138 applicants qualified for the training programme and underwent 90 hrs of training including 60 hours in the classroom and 30 field trip hours.
- Training programmes have been held to upgrade standards of products and services at souvenir shops in Chiang Mai. Course participants were also given a crash course in English to help participants improve their communication skills.
- To facilitate sales of products manufactured under the government’s One Tambon One Product scheme, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports organised courses in collaboration with educational institutes in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai to help companies selling these products develop their skills for dealing with visitors. A workshop was also held with Chiang Mai University among sellers of OTOP products facilitate an exchange of ideas to better market and manage the sale of OTOP products.
- To improve security and convenience for tourists, the Ministry organised a special course for the Tourist Police, with 140 officers in attendance. They discussed latest developments in providing better protection for visitors.
- Many high school and middle school students in Chiang Rai province often work as volunteer guides. A workshop was organised to help them develop their skills and professional standards so that they could provide better services to tourists.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
