Designed to be in line with the national government priority of promoting “Stability, Prosperity, and Sustainability”, the forum will feature a number of foreign and local tourism experts who will present ideas and strategies to help the Thai tourism industry prepare for the new era of emphasising quality over quantity.
BANGKOK – “Community-based Tourism as a Global Trend” is the theme of a high-level forum to be organised by the TAT Academy at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre on 16 January, 2016.
The day-long forum is the first major public activity organised by the TAT Academy since its formal establishment by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) in September 2015.
Designed to be in line with the national government priority of promoting “Stability, Prosperity, and Sustainability”, the forum will feature a number of foreign and local tourism experts who will present ideas and strategies to help the Thai tourism industry prepare for the new era of emphasising quality over quantity.
It will be conducted in Thai and English, with simultaneous translation. TAT is encouraging participation by representatives of the public sector, state enterprises, private sector (tourism-dependent businesses), universities and NGOs as well as the general public. The participation fee is 1,200 Baht per person.
After the welcome remarks by Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the forum will be opened by H.E. General Thanasak Patimaprakorn, Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand.
Two special keynote addresses will be delivered by Mr. Robert Basiuk, Managing Director, Borneo Adventure, Sarawak, Malaysia, and Mr. Peter Richards, Sustainable and Community Based Tourism Expert, Thailand Community Based Tourism Institute (CBT-I).
Also, H.E. Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, Minister of Tourism and Sports will deliver the keynote speech under the topic “Community-based tourism in Thailand”.
The highlight of the forum will be five presentations by Thai community-based entrepreneurs to discuss their experiences and challenges:
– Coffee Journey: Mr. Ayu Chuepa, Co-founder of Akha Ama Coffee.
– Like a Local by Local Alike: Mr. Somsuk Boonkham, Founder and CEO of Local Alike.
– Local Whisky: Mr. Kawee Kokiatkun, Founder of Maajaidum.
– Folk Fashion: Ms. Sukajit Daengchai, Mae TEETA, an organic textiles and clothes brand.
– Local Chic Trip: Ms. Chayanich Thamparipattra, Co-founder of Hivesters.
According to TAT Governor Mr. Yuthasak, “Travel and tourism trends are being reshaped in line with changes in lifestyles and economic, social and political systems. We are seeing the emergence of a new generation of more knowledgeable and enthusiastic tourists with specific interests. The new travel trend globally is for simplicity appreciation, detail consciousness, sub cultures, minimalism, and local values. The dominance of consumerism-oriented mass tourism is being challenged.”
Mr. Yuthasak added, “Community-based tourism combines tourists’ needs and expectations with environmental, economical, and social sustainability. Hence, this landmark tourism forum is being organised by the TAT Academy to promote community-based tourism knowledge and its approaches and help the various stakeholders identify new business opportunities.”
He encouraged everyone involved in the tourism sector, directly and indirectly, to participate in this unique forum and take advantage of the educational and networking opportunities.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
