Strong and capable leadership on tourism sector's wish list

ELECTION 2007 / BUSINESS SECTORS ASSESS PROSPECTS

Strong and capable leadership on tourism sector's wish list

CHATRUDEE THEPARAT & CHADAMAS CHINMANEEVONG

Tourism executives offered mixed views about Sunday's vote, saying the country needed strong leaders regardless of which party formed the next government. The composition of the cabinet was a more critical factor than whether the People Power Party or the Democrat Party formed the coalition, said Anake Srishevachart, the president of the Thai-Japan Tourism Association.

He said each minister needed to be knowledgeable, capable and transparent and that it was especially critical that the next government remain open to the opinions of the private sector.

''If PPP leads the coalition, then Mingkwan Sangsuwan will lead the economic team. I'm not sure about his qualifications to lead economic policy, and he might be better running the Tourism and Sports Ministry given his strengths in marketing and tourism,'' Mr Anake said.

While the election was a key step, hopes were high that the new government would move quickly to address the ongoing economic problems.

Kongkrit Hiranyakit, the president of the Tourism Council of Thailand, said the policies of both the PPP and Democrats were roughly the same.

''It doesn't make much difference I think who the government will be as the tourism policies of the two main parties are quite similar,'' he said.

Mr Kongkrit said he hoped the election results would be accepted by the public and the PPP. In any case, the next government, which is likely to be a coalition, is unlikely to be very stable. He noted that the new 2007 constitution would increase checks and balances and promote transparency in the public sector.

He said the government should accelerate work to improve existing tourist destinations and promote new locations.

''Capital support from the government is very important for tourist-related businesses as it will help increase their competitiveness,'' Mr Kongkrit said.

He predicted that the industry would grow by 6% to 8% next year _ below China, Vietnam and Malaysia.

Vichit Na Ranong, the honorary chairman of the Tourism Council of Thailand, said that regardless of who formed the government, it was crucial that development plans be translated into action.''The ministers are politicians, not professionals. They should serve as administrators, rather than try to work for themselves,'' he said.