TRAEL TITBITS
Pick your seven natural wonders
KARNJANA KARNJANATAWE
Nature lovers be prepared. The New 7Wonders Foundation is asking every Internet user to vote for the New Seven Wonders of Nature.
The campaign is still in the process of nomination during which you can suggest nominees or vote for your favourite places until the end of this year. At present, there are 290 nominees: 62 from Asia, 59 from South America, 58 from Europe, 48 from Africa, 47 from North America and 16 from Oceana.
On the Asia list, there are three nominees from Thailand - Ko Phi Phi, Phangnga Bay and Khao Yai National Park. The rule is that only the top-77 official nominees will be eligible for consideration by the New7Wonders of Nature panel of experts. One person has one voice, but seven votes.
As far as Thailand is concerned, so far only Ko Phi Phi makes the top-77 list.
So if you like see other Thai sites make the cut, check out the web site http://www.new7wonders.com.
Power from bio-mass
Evason Phuket is using energy generated from bio-mass - plants sourced from 64 acres of tropical parkland in which it sits - to power an air-conditioning unit that feeds all storage areas at the 260-room resort.
Built with Danish money and expertise, the bio-mass plant consumes 140kgs of organic rubbish daily to generate power that drives its 20-ton absorption chiller air-conditioning unit.
In addition, the resort recently moved all over-head electrical cabling underground, and replaced its iconic tramcars with electric vehicles.
More Bkk-Phuket flights
Since August 15 Bangkok Airways has increased daily flights between Bangkok and Phuket from two to three on Friday, Saturday and Sunday using the 162-seater A320 on the route to cope with rise in passenger traffic.
The additional flights leave Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport at 1:45pm and on the return leg depart Phuket at 3:50pm.
Asian airlines win praise
Singapore Airlines took the top slot in Skytrax's latest survey of 15 million passengers conducted from August 2007 to June this year.
It was followed by Cathay Pacific, Qantas, THAI and Asiana.
The survey also voted Asiana for best economy class and cabin staff, Eva Air for best premium economy class, Singapore Airlines for best business class, Cathay Pacific for best first class, and easyJet as best low-cost airline.
Emirates was voted for best inflight entertainment, Austrian Airlines for best onboard catering in business class, Qantas for best onboard catering in economy class and best first class lounge, Virgin Atlantic for best business class lounge, British Airways as best trans-Atlantic airline, Air New Zealand as best trans-Pacific airline, and Bangkok Airways as best regional airline in Asia.
For more information, visit http://www.worldairlineawards.com.
Book highlights Indochina
The Mekong Tourism Office has published The Guide to Responsible Tourism in Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam to facilitate travel in Indochina.
The book is designed for tourists who want to pick up a copy and go, and for tour operators and travel agents who would like to add responsible travel experiences to their Mekong sub-region itineraries, said Peter Semone, senior advisor to the Mekong Tourism Office based in Bangkok.
The 148-page guide is penned by Guy Marris, Nick Ray and Bernie Rosenbloom and edited by Ken Scott, all of them seasoned travellers in the region.
It has full contact and booking information for all the recommended activities in the three countries, practical information for travellers, and a list of useful resources and organisations involved with heritage, conservation and responsible tourism.
The book costs US$15 (inclusive of postage) and can be ordered through the Pacific Asia Travel Association.
For more information, visit the web site http://mekongtourism.org.
If you have any comments or news to share, mail them to karnjanak@bangkokpost.co.th
Showing posts with label Tourism News. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tourism News. Show all posts
Sunday, August 31, 2008
People person with a keen eye for detail
AT LEISURE
People person with a keen eye for detail
YVONNE BOHWONGPRASERT
Choo-Leng Goh fits to a "T" her new position as manager at the Royal Orchid Sheraton. A Singaporean national, she has worked for Starwood Hotels & Resorts for close to a decade and prior to her recent promotion was the Royal Orchid Sheraton's regional director for sales and marketing (Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam) for five years. She is the first Asian woman in the company to be elevated to the post of hotel manager.
The seasoned, 45-year-old executive had this to say about the public perception of women like her: "Female, Asian hotel managers are still relatively uncommon in this part of the world, so I sometimes see people raise their eyebrows when they find out that a woman is running a five-star establishment. In all fairness, I feel [that having a] female [as] hotel manager is definitely a plus - you have to agree that women have a keen eye for detail!"
Living in Thailand for close to two decades now, and married with two children, Goh says that to juggle the demands of a high-pressure career with the responsibilities of raising a family takes a lot of patience, perseverance and passion.
What's been the biggest challenge for you, so far, as a hotel manager?
I've been in my current job for just a month, so getting to know the 700 members of staff personally [will be] a big challenge. However, I'm looking forward to that. I speak Thai, so that makes it easier to bridge the culture gap.
Have your leisure-travel habits changed since you entered the hotel industry?
I've begun to prefer destinations which are less frequented by tourists - places which offer picturesque, natural surroundings. I don't plan extensively for family vacations any more; I like to go with the flow.
How have your experiences as a traveller assisted you in your work?
Being a guest in another hotel always helps in better understanding the requirements of hotel guests. Both my business- and leisure-travel experiences have helped me get a better picture of the various types of guest profiles to expect, and I have adjusted our hotel services accordingly.
What, in your opinion, are the strengths of the Thai hotel industry?
It definitely has to be the people! Thais are naturally suited to working in the service industry; that's why this country is known as the Land of Smiles! We can build beautiful hotels with the latest technology, but it's meaningless if the service culture isn't there! The majority of compliments we receive from guests focus on our service-minded staff; there's hardly ever any mention of the 'hardware' of the hotel.
How much of an impact has the volatile political situation had on hotels under the Starwood banner?
Business has indeed slowed a little but this [can be attributed to] many factors. The world economy has slowed down and the high fuel surcharge on air tickets, etc, have held off some decisions on leisure travelling. Of course, having a stable political situation would help to increase demand [for holidays] to Thailand, as safety and security is one of the highest priorities for both leisure and business travellers.
Hoteliers have to stay on top of their game to succeed during hard times such as these!
Tell us about your dream destination.
With two young girls - aged five and nine - my husband and I are now limited to Disneyland, ski resorts and child-friendly leisure destinations! But when the kids grow older I'd like, perhaps, to revisit some of our favourite holiday spots.
What's your idea of the perfect vacation?
[It] would mean balancing my time, [being able] to both relax and to enjoy activities that I'm passionate about such as snorkelling, mountain trekking, skiing and, of course, shopping! Good food and wine is also a must.
What are your views on pet-friendly hotels?
I think as long as the hotel is able to keep the hygiene [up to standard] and have the right facilities and amenities for the pets, it's fine. Bringing a pet as a companion on a holiday is getting common nowadays. The trend has become increasingly popular because, for a lot of people, pets are just like children. For me, going on a holiday without my children would be devastating, so I can wholeheartedly empathise with pet lovers. I don't think this trend has caught on in Thailand yet, but maybe in the next couple of years ...
In the US, some of our Starwood hotels are pet-friendly, especially our "W" brand [hotels and resorts group].
Which province, or provinces, in Thailand are you most fond of?
I have to be biased, here: Chiang Rai is my favourite because that's where my husband and I fell in love! We love the natural surroundings in Chiang Rai. And the Golden Triangle, where the three countries meet, never fails to brighten my spirits. I'm very excited that Starwood is going to build a Le Meridien in Chiang Rai in the next two months.
In what ways could the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) better assist the domestic hotel industry?
TAT has always been very supportive of us. Change and growth are an integral part of breaking into new markets [so] I'd like to see better cooperation between key international hotel chains, especially during hard times such as these, in expanding each other's customer-distribution network. As a country, we have more to offer tourists than just Bangkok and Phuket. Promoting other provinces in Thailand will surely help in establishing markets in Europe and Asia, because people are always looking for new places to visit.
To contact the writer, email yvonneb@bangkokpost.co.th
People person with a keen eye for detail
YVONNE BOHWONGPRASERT
Choo-Leng Goh fits to a "T" her new position as manager at the Royal Orchid Sheraton. A Singaporean national, she has worked for Starwood Hotels & Resorts for close to a decade and prior to her recent promotion was the Royal Orchid Sheraton's regional director for sales and marketing (Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam) for five years. She is the first Asian woman in the company to be elevated to the post of hotel manager.
The seasoned, 45-year-old executive had this to say about the public perception of women like her: "Female, Asian hotel managers are still relatively uncommon in this part of the world, so I sometimes see people raise their eyebrows when they find out that a woman is running a five-star establishment. In all fairness, I feel [that having a] female [as] hotel manager is definitely a plus - you have to agree that women have a keen eye for detail!"
Living in Thailand for close to two decades now, and married with two children, Goh says that to juggle the demands of a high-pressure career with the responsibilities of raising a family takes a lot of patience, perseverance and passion.
What's been the biggest challenge for you, so far, as a hotel manager?
I've been in my current job for just a month, so getting to know the 700 members of staff personally [will be] a big challenge. However, I'm looking forward to that. I speak Thai, so that makes it easier to bridge the culture gap.
Have your leisure-travel habits changed since you entered the hotel industry?
I've begun to prefer destinations which are less frequented by tourists - places which offer picturesque, natural surroundings. I don't plan extensively for family vacations any more; I like to go with the flow.
How have your experiences as a traveller assisted you in your work?
Being a guest in another hotel always helps in better understanding the requirements of hotel guests. Both my business- and leisure-travel experiences have helped me get a better picture of the various types of guest profiles to expect, and I have adjusted our hotel services accordingly.
What, in your opinion, are the strengths of the Thai hotel industry?
It definitely has to be the people! Thais are naturally suited to working in the service industry; that's why this country is known as the Land of Smiles! We can build beautiful hotels with the latest technology, but it's meaningless if the service culture isn't there! The majority of compliments we receive from guests focus on our service-minded staff; there's hardly ever any mention of the 'hardware' of the hotel.
How much of an impact has the volatile political situation had on hotels under the Starwood banner?
Business has indeed slowed a little but this [can be attributed to] many factors. The world economy has slowed down and the high fuel surcharge on air tickets, etc, have held off some decisions on leisure travelling. Of course, having a stable political situation would help to increase demand [for holidays] to Thailand, as safety and security is one of the highest priorities for both leisure and business travellers.
Hoteliers have to stay on top of their game to succeed during hard times such as these!
Tell us about your dream destination.
With two young girls - aged five and nine - my husband and I are now limited to Disneyland, ski resorts and child-friendly leisure destinations! But when the kids grow older I'd like, perhaps, to revisit some of our favourite holiday spots.
What's your idea of the perfect vacation?
[It] would mean balancing my time, [being able] to both relax and to enjoy activities that I'm passionate about such as snorkelling, mountain trekking, skiing and, of course, shopping! Good food and wine is also a must.
What are your views on pet-friendly hotels?
I think as long as the hotel is able to keep the hygiene [up to standard] and have the right facilities and amenities for the pets, it's fine. Bringing a pet as a companion on a holiday is getting common nowadays. The trend has become increasingly popular because, for a lot of people, pets are just like children. For me, going on a holiday without my children would be devastating, so I can wholeheartedly empathise with pet lovers. I don't think this trend has caught on in Thailand yet, but maybe in the next couple of years ...
In the US, some of our Starwood hotels are pet-friendly, especially our "W" brand [hotels and resorts group].
Which province, or provinces, in Thailand are you most fond of?
I have to be biased, here: Chiang Rai is my favourite because that's where my husband and I fell in love! We love the natural surroundings in Chiang Rai. And the Golden Triangle, where the three countries meet, never fails to brighten my spirits. I'm very excited that Starwood is going to build a Le Meridien in Chiang Rai in the next two months.
In what ways could the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) better assist the domestic hotel industry?
TAT has always been very supportive of us. Change and growth are an integral part of breaking into new markets [so] I'd like to see better cooperation between key international hotel chains, especially during hard times such as these, in expanding each other's customer-distribution network. As a country, we have more to offer tourists than just Bangkok and Phuket. Promoting other provinces in Thailand will surely help in establishing markets in Europe and Asia, because people are always looking for new places to visit.
To contact the writer, email yvonneb@bangkokpost.co.th
Little sympathy in London town
Little sympathy in London town
A random survey of Thais in the UK conducted by PATCHARIN WONGSATIEN failed to turn up much support for former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra's plea for political asylum.
Nike, president of the Thai Festival Organisation:
'I quite understand why they did it. If you're in that position, being used to power and having all the money in the world, would you care to spend time in prison? I don't think so.
"I think they are good people, but they were unfortunate to have had bad advice. I mean, when they went back to Thailand from exile last time, they should have kept a low profile in politics. Personally I think they should stand trial in the Thai courts, but they decided that they had to flee because they could not get a guarantee or assurance that the court would grant them bail. Otherwise, I don't think they would have left and made themselves fugitives in another country.
"From my point of view, the possible outcome facing the family if they were to fight all the charges in the Thai courts is dim. Evidence against them is very strong.
Personally, I don't think it was right that they violated the bail conditions, but for them it's the right move. They have witnessed their lawyers being sent to jail, and also the three-year prison sentence for Khunying Potjaman was enough to convince the family that perhaps it was time to go."
Kampol Nirawan, former political activist during October 14, 1973
student uprising:
'I believe Thaksin's self-imposed exile has put him at a disadvantage. Firstly, he would in effect strip himself of a chance to fight in court because the trial will go ahead in absentia. Secondly, his assets in Thailand will be seized and he also risks having his assets here restrained by a court order since Thai and British police have reciprocal agreement to co-operate in a criminal offence."
Siriruk, a city worker:
'I don't think Thaksin and his wife should have been allowed to leave the country in the first place to go to China, especially when Khunying Potjaman was in effect a convicted prisoner and their court cases were still pending. Personally I think Mr Thaksin, as former leader of the country, showed no respect for the Thai constitution.
"It's utter nonsense what he claimed - that he would not get a fair trial in the Thai justice system and there was not any hard evidence against him and his family. Seeking political asylum here is an easy escape. But I do hope that the English courts would see through him and refuse his application, because he is not facing a death sentence at home nor is his life in danger. The family is very lucky because they are so rich, they can afford to do anything. But they should not be above the law. What I believe is that what goes around comes around. Perhaps they cannot buy their way out of what has come around this time."
Parn, a city worker:
'In my opinion, I don't think his claim that he could not trust the Thai justice system is justifiable. It's more of a case of political miscalculation. After all, his wife has been through the trial in Thailand and has received a jail sentence. I think Thaksin could see that he would face the same fate. That was why they decided to flee.
"As for whether or not he would seek political asylum here, I think at the end of the day he will get away with everything. Look at Rakesh Saksena (fugitive Thai bank adviser), for example. He was never brought back to face trial in Thailand. Having said that, I don't really think Thaksin will apply for asylum here."
Malisa Butterworth, a businesswoman:
'It would be ridiculous if Thaksin and his wife are allowed to claim political asylum here. The 1951 United Nations refugee convention states clearly that the claimant must have a well-founded fear of persecution because of his/her race, belief, political opinion or belong to a particular social group. The question for Thaksin and his wife is: do they fit into any of these categories?
"He (Thaksin) argued that he chose the UK because democracy means more here. But people can see it that the court proceedings in Thailand are carried out under the strict rules of constitution. However, I wouldn't be surprised if he and his wife are allowed to live here. After all, many former world leaders who abused their own people and violated human rights in their countries, like Augusto Pinochet (late dictator of Chile), were welcomed to the UK. Still, I believe its not a bad thing that he left Thailand. At least it helps reduce political temperature and conflicts there."
Supa Korprakong, Home Office employee:
'I don't think Thaksin should be granted political asylum here. It's obvious that he and his wife are trying to run away from the punishment they deserve. If they don't believe in the Thai justice system, why did they go back last time? They did because they thought their friends in the government could help them. Now they know their friends could not help, so they left to spare themselves a jail sentence. It's simple. There is nothing to do with the fairness of our judicial system.
"I feel sorry for Thailand and poor people. The family is so rich but they never want to give anything back to society. When Thaksin was in power, his policy was always for short-term gain. They should look up to Bill Gates. He is rich but he is willing to do something good for others in the world. Unlike Thaksin, whose only interest is to grab as much as he can and who thinks about nothing else except creating his image. He is getting what he deserves."
A random survey of Thais in the UK conducted by PATCHARIN WONGSATIEN failed to turn up much support for former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra's plea for political asylum.
Nike, president of the Thai Festival Organisation:
'I quite understand why they did it. If you're in that position, being used to power and having all the money in the world, would you care to spend time in prison? I don't think so.
"I think they are good people, but they were unfortunate to have had bad advice. I mean, when they went back to Thailand from exile last time, they should have kept a low profile in politics. Personally I think they should stand trial in the Thai courts, but they decided that they had to flee because they could not get a guarantee or assurance that the court would grant them bail. Otherwise, I don't think they would have left and made themselves fugitives in another country.
"From my point of view, the possible outcome facing the family if they were to fight all the charges in the Thai courts is dim. Evidence against them is very strong.
Personally, I don't think it was right that they violated the bail conditions, but for them it's the right move. They have witnessed their lawyers being sent to jail, and also the three-year prison sentence for Khunying Potjaman was enough to convince the family that perhaps it was time to go."
Kampol Nirawan, former political activist during October 14, 1973
student uprising:
'I believe Thaksin's self-imposed exile has put him at a disadvantage. Firstly, he would in effect strip himself of a chance to fight in court because the trial will go ahead in absentia. Secondly, his assets in Thailand will be seized and he also risks having his assets here restrained by a court order since Thai and British police have reciprocal agreement to co-operate in a criminal offence."
Siriruk, a city worker:
'I don't think Thaksin and his wife should have been allowed to leave the country in the first place to go to China, especially when Khunying Potjaman was in effect a convicted prisoner and their court cases were still pending. Personally I think Mr Thaksin, as former leader of the country, showed no respect for the Thai constitution.
"It's utter nonsense what he claimed - that he would not get a fair trial in the Thai justice system and there was not any hard evidence against him and his family. Seeking political asylum here is an easy escape. But I do hope that the English courts would see through him and refuse his application, because he is not facing a death sentence at home nor is his life in danger. The family is very lucky because they are so rich, they can afford to do anything. But they should not be above the law. What I believe is that what goes around comes around. Perhaps they cannot buy their way out of what has come around this time."
Parn, a city worker:
'In my opinion, I don't think his claim that he could not trust the Thai justice system is justifiable. It's more of a case of political miscalculation. After all, his wife has been through the trial in Thailand and has received a jail sentence. I think Thaksin could see that he would face the same fate. That was why they decided to flee.
"As for whether or not he would seek political asylum here, I think at the end of the day he will get away with everything. Look at Rakesh Saksena (fugitive Thai bank adviser), for example. He was never brought back to face trial in Thailand. Having said that, I don't really think Thaksin will apply for asylum here."
Malisa Butterworth, a businesswoman:
'It would be ridiculous if Thaksin and his wife are allowed to claim political asylum here. The 1951 United Nations refugee convention states clearly that the claimant must have a well-founded fear of persecution because of his/her race, belief, political opinion or belong to a particular social group. The question for Thaksin and his wife is: do they fit into any of these categories?
"He (Thaksin) argued that he chose the UK because democracy means more here. But people can see it that the court proceedings in Thailand are carried out under the strict rules of constitution. However, I wouldn't be surprised if he and his wife are allowed to live here. After all, many former world leaders who abused their own people and violated human rights in their countries, like Augusto Pinochet (late dictator of Chile), were welcomed to the UK. Still, I believe its not a bad thing that he left Thailand. At least it helps reduce political temperature and conflicts there."
Supa Korprakong, Home Office employee:
'I don't think Thaksin should be granted political asylum here. It's obvious that he and his wife are trying to run away from the punishment they deserve. If they don't believe in the Thai justice system, why did they go back last time? They did because they thought their friends in the government could help them. Now they know their friends could not help, so they left to spare themselves a jail sentence. It's simple. There is nothing to do with the fairness of our judicial system.
"I feel sorry for Thailand and poor people. The family is so rich but they never want to give anything back to society. When Thaksin was in power, his policy was always for short-term gain. They should look up to Bill Gates. He is rich but he is willing to do something good for others in the world. Unlike Thaksin, whose only interest is to grab as much as he can and who thinks about nothing else except creating his image. He is getting what he deserves."
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Tourism sector fears protest effect
Tourism sector fears protest effect
CHADAMAS CHINMANEEVONG & CHATRUDEE THEPARAT
Tourism operators are feeling the effects of protests to topple Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej and say they could hurt the country's image and drag the sector down.
Natwut Amornvivat, president of Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), said he was concerned about the violent movement as it hurt the country's image and spread negative images around the world.
''We must keep an eye on the situation to see how it will end. Many events will not be cancelled, but some participants may not want to come to Bangkok,'' he said.
In the worst case, he said, bloodshed would cause TCEB to miss its Mice (meeting, incentive, convention and exhibition) business target.
''It's difficult to outline future plans,'' he said. ''The agency will have to work harder to boost the country's reputation again in the Mice sector.''
Mr Natwut added that if political instability ended with the house's dissolution, TCEB would be affected in other ways, including the delay of a budget allocation by the new government. Some budgets could be reduced, which would be an obstacle to promoting Mice business in the long term.
Mr Prakit Chinamourphong, president of the Thai Hotels Association (THA), agreed with Mr Natwut, saying the growing political instability was hurting tourism and hotel businesses.
''If the government and PAD don't compromise and think about the interests of the country, the problem will drag on and hurt the economy,'' said Mr Prakit.
During the first seven months of 2008, average hotel occupancy was 68%, up from 67% last year.
''If we had no political problems, the average occupancy would reach 70% or 80%,'' Mr Prakit said.
But Jennifer Cronin, vice-president for sales and marketing of the Dusit Group, was still optimistic that yesterday's PAD rally would not lead to bloodshed.
''Tourists are familiar with the protests as this kind of political movement has taken place in many western countries for years. The protests in Thailand are not as serious as in many countries,'' she said.
This year, the number of corporate, leisure and Mice tourists to Thailand continued to rise, despite PAD protests taking place since May.
Apichart Sankary, president of the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA), said tourists who have already booked tour packages might cancel their trips if they felt unsafe. But he said no cancellations have been made yet, as it is still too early to make any decision.
''The protest might deter tourists who plan their trips in the high season between October and December,'' he said.
If the turmoil ends in two or three days without serious violence, he forecast that the impact would be unlikely to be felt by Thailand's tourism in high season.
The committee of the ATTA is scheduled to meet today to consider the latest PAD protest. Mr Apichart also called on both the government and PAD to solve problems in a peaceful way.
CHADAMAS CHINMANEEVONG & CHATRUDEE THEPARAT
Tourism operators are feeling the effects of protests to topple Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej and say they could hurt the country's image and drag the sector down.
Natwut Amornvivat, president of Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), said he was concerned about the violent movement as it hurt the country's image and spread negative images around the world.
''We must keep an eye on the situation to see how it will end. Many events will not be cancelled, but some participants may not want to come to Bangkok,'' he said.
In the worst case, he said, bloodshed would cause TCEB to miss its Mice (meeting, incentive, convention and exhibition) business target.
''It's difficult to outline future plans,'' he said. ''The agency will have to work harder to boost the country's reputation again in the Mice sector.''
Mr Natwut added that if political instability ended with the house's dissolution, TCEB would be affected in other ways, including the delay of a budget allocation by the new government. Some budgets could be reduced, which would be an obstacle to promoting Mice business in the long term.
Mr Prakit Chinamourphong, president of the Thai Hotels Association (THA), agreed with Mr Natwut, saying the growing political instability was hurting tourism and hotel businesses.
''If the government and PAD don't compromise and think about the interests of the country, the problem will drag on and hurt the economy,'' said Mr Prakit.
During the first seven months of 2008, average hotel occupancy was 68%, up from 67% last year.
''If we had no political problems, the average occupancy would reach 70% or 80%,'' Mr Prakit said.
But Jennifer Cronin, vice-president for sales and marketing of the Dusit Group, was still optimistic that yesterday's PAD rally would not lead to bloodshed.
''Tourists are familiar with the protests as this kind of political movement has taken place in many western countries for years. The protests in Thailand are not as serious as in many countries,'' she said.
This year, the number of corporate, leisure and Mice tourists to Thailand continued to rise, despite PAD protests taking place since May.
Apichart Sankary, president of the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA), said tourists who have already booked tour packages might cancel their trips if they felt unsafe. But he said no cancellations have been made yet, as it is still too early to make any decision.
''The protest might deter tourists who plan their trips in the high season between October and December,'' he said.
If the turmoil ends in two or three days without serious violence, he forecast that the impact would be unlikely to be felt by Thailand's tourism in high season.
The committee of the ATTA is scheduled to meet today to consider the latest PAD protest. Mr Apichart also called on both the government and PAD to solve problems in a peaceful way.
China and India proposed as tourism focus
China and India proposed as tourism focus
Thai tourism entrepreneurs are being urged to tap more into visitors from China and India in a bid to offset the impact from surging oil prices and the economic slowdown expected for the united states and europe. Virabongsa Ramangura, head of the economic advisory team to the prime minister, said visitors from India and China have greater purchasing power given their countries' strong growth.
According to Dr Virabongsa, surging oil prices were becoming a key negative factor for the Thai tourism industry, as both domestic and foreign visitors are reluctant to travel because of high costs.
However, he said tourism would still play a key role to support economic growth this year, particularly now that the baht was weakening, which makes thailand more attractive to foreign spenders.
Phornsiri Manoharn, the governor to Tourism Authority of Thailand, said the agency had improved the marketing plan this year to focus more on China, India and the Middle East because they had shown high growth in the past years.
Thai tourism entrepreneurs are being urged to tap more into visitors from China and India in a bid to offset the impact from surging oil prices and the economic slowdown expected for the united states and europe. Virabongsa Ramangura, head of the economic advisory team to the prime minister, said visitors from India and China have greater purchasing power given their countries' strong growth.
According to Dr Virabongsa, surging oil prices were becoming a key negative factor for the Thai tourism industry, as both domestic and foreign visitors are reluctant to travel because of high costs.
However, he said tourism would still play a key role to support economic growth this year, particularly now that the baht was weakening, which makes thailand more attractive to foreign spenders.
Phornsiri Manoharn, the governor to Tourism Authority of Thailand, said the agency had improved the marketing plan this year to focus more on China, India and the Middle East because they had shown high growth in the past years.
AirAsia ponders shifting its operations to Don Mueang
AVIATION
AirAsia ponders shifting its operations to Don Mueang
BOONSONG KOSITCHOTETHANA
Thai AirAsia's third A320 jet parks at Suvarnabhumi.
AirAsia is wary of Airports of Thailand Plc (AoT)'s latest overture to the low-cost carrier (LCC) to shift its entire operations, including international flights, from Suvarnabhumi to Don Mueang airport. Tassapon Bijleveld, chief executive of Thai AirAsia (TAA), the Thai branch of AirAsia, Southeast Asia's largest LCC group based in Malaysia, said yesterday the airline was prepared for the shift only if AoT gave written guarantees.
Mr Tassapon was concerned about AoT's policy regarding the use of Don Mueang , which has essentially served non-connecting scheduled domestic services, charter flights and VIP flights since the opening of Suvarnabhumi in September 2006.
Roughly half of TAA's flights are on international routes and AirAsia operates frequent flights to Bangkok from its Kuala Lumpur hub and Jakarta base.
''We would hate to find, after being at Don Mueang for a while, that we were told to return to Suvarnabhumi,'' said Mr Tassapon. ''But we would be happy to shift quickly to Don Mueang if AoT could assure us we could remain at Don Mueang for at least five years.''
At the AoT board meeting last Friday, it was resolved that LCCs offering domestic and international flights could operate through Don Mueang while the expansion of Suvarnabhumi is underway from 2009 and 2014.
The directive was given to relieve congestion at Suvarnabhumi during the construction period. Many areas could be closed to facilitate the work, which involves building a mid-field terminal and a third runway at an estimated cost of 78 billion baht.
With LCCs like TAA and AirAsia resuming operations through Don Mueang and the forthcoming expansion of Suvarnabhumi, AoT hopes the service capacity of Bangkok's new international airport will need no further expansion before 2018. Over the next five years the expansion will increase Suvarnabhumi's passenger handling capacity from 45 to 60 million a year.
TAA and its mother airline had originally wanted to operate all their domestic and international flights through Don Mueang but relocated all flights to Suvarnabhumi after the authorities reacted to complaints of unfair competition from other airlines and stopped international flights through Don Mueang .
AoT acting president Serirat Prasutanond yesterday insisted the board's directive was firm and LCCs like TAA and AirAsia had a choice to move to Don Mueang on a voluntary basis before and after Suvarnabhumi's expansion.
He added that, in accordance with its standardised fee policy, AoT is not offering lower parking or landing fee incentives for airlines to move to Don Mueang .
TAA yesterday announced the launch of a daily Bangkok-Hong Kong flight in the last week of Oct. This will make it the first LCC to operate on the route and it hopes to achieve a load factor over 80% in the first year of operation
AirAsia ponders shifting its operations to Don Mueang
BOONSONG KOSITCHOTETHANA
Thai AirAsia's third A320 jet parks at Suvarnabhumi.
AirAsia is wary of Airports of Thailand Plc (AoT)'s latest overture to the low-cost carrier (LCC) to shift its entire operations, including international flights, from Suvarnabhumi to Don Mueang airport. Tassapon Bijleveld, chief executive of Thai AirAsia (TAA), the Thai branch of AirAsia, Southeast Asia's largest LCC group based in Malaysia, said yesterday the airline was prepared for the shift only if AoT gave written guarantees.
Mr Tassapon was concerned about AoT's policy regarding the use of Don Mueang , which has essentially served non-connecting scheduled domestic services, charter flights and VIP flights since the opening of Suvarnabhumi in September 2006.
Roughly half of TAA's flights are on international routes and AirAsia operates frequent flights to Bangkok from its Kuala Lumpur hub and Jakarta base.
''We would hate to find, after being at Don Mueang for a while, that we were told to return to Suvarnabhumi,'' said Mr Tassapon. ''But we would be happy to shift quickly to Don Mueang if AoT could assure us we could remain at Don Mueang for at least five years.''
At the AoT board meeting last Friday, it was resolved that LCCs offering domestic and international flights could operate through Don Mueang while the expansion of Suvarnabhumi is underway from 2009 and 2014.
The directive was given to relieve congestion at Suvarnabhumi during the construction period. Many areas could be closed to facilitate the work, which involves building a mid-field terminal and a third runway at an estimated cost of 78 billion baht.
With LCCs like TAA and AirAsia resuming operations through Don Mueang and the forthcoming expansion of Suvarnabhumi, AoT hopes the service capacity of Bangkok's new international airport will need no further expansion before 2018. Over the next five years the expansion will increase Suvarnabhumi's passenger handling capacity from 45 to 60 million a year.
TAA and its mother airline had originally wanted to operate all their domestic and international flights through Don Mueang but relocated all flights to Suvarnabhumi after the authorities reacted to complaints of unfair competition from other airlines and stopped international flights through Don Mueang .
AoT acting president Serirat Prasutanond yesterday insisted the board's directive was firm and LCCs like TAA and AirAsia had a choice to move to Don Mueang on a voluntary basis before and after Suvarnabhumi's expansion.
He added that, in accordance with its standardised fee policy, AoT is not offering lower parking or landing fee incentives for airlines to move to Don Mueang .
TAA yesterday announced the launch of a daily Bangkok-Hong Kong flight in the last week of Oct. This will make it the first LCC to operate on the route and it hopes to achieve a load factor over 80% in the first year of operation
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Tourism Australia's transparency checkup
TRAVEL MONITOR
Tourism Australia's transparency checkup
IMTIAZ MUQBIL
The cause of transparency and good governance in travel and tourism organisations worldwide has taken a huge step forward with the publication of an Australian government audit of A$184 million worth of marketing service contracts by Tourism Australia, as well as conflict-of-interest issues among its board of directors.
Although the audit notes that TA, the country's national tourism body, has generally complied with financial regulations and that the delivery of services by its providers has been satisfactory, it faults a number of areas related to key performance indicators and evaluation of results. TA has acknowledged the findings and promised to rectify the deficiencies.
The audit should be must-reading among Asia-Pacific tourism organisations, many of which are suffering the consequences of operating in an environment with lax checks and balances and processes of accountability.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand, for example, has already been embarrassed by revelations of a US investigation into former governor Juthamas Siriwan's alleged links with funding of a film festival.
The Bangkok-based Pacific Asia Travel Association (Pata) is also facing pressure to show more transparency and accountability after media investigations uncovered numerous instances of poor governance.
The Australian audit reviewed Tourism Australia's procurement processes for selecting service providers; management of contracts; and governance framework, including planning, performance management and reporting.
It noted that TA's three major contracts consumed approximately 35% of its annual budgets of $167.8 million in 2005-06 and $158.6 million in 2006-07. It also found that there had been four internal audits and four external reviews of different aspects of the contracts since they were executed in 2005.
The audit acknowledged that TA operated in a commercial and competitive global environment and that its marketing and media contracts were fundamental to the success of its strategies.
However, it says, although the media placement and creative development contracts accurately reflected the services to be provided, they "did not include performance information that would enable Tourism Australia to evaluate the effectiveness of the services provided even though, as part of a review of the draft contracts, this was recommended."
In concluded: "Tourism Australia does not systematically evaluate the effectiveness of its projects and, currently, is unable to demonstrate what impact these projects have had on their target markets.
"The lack of evaluation also means that Tourism Australia is not identifying the factors affecting the success, or otherwise, of the projects or lessons learned that could be incorporated into future projects."
The audit noted that since July 2007, TA has improved its financial management processes and now requires expenditure for all major contracts to be authorised by the appropriate delegate when each marketing region draws against its allocated budget.
The most damning conclusions related to potential conflicts of interest, especially among the board members. As the board is composed mainly of people with expertise in tourism or hospitality, the audit said, discussions with industry players and survey responses from state tourism organisations indicated "that the perceived conflicts of interest of board members are a major risk to Tourism Australia's reputation".
It said there is also a "perception [among] stakeholders that a relationship exists between business interests, shareholdings, and board approvals and decisions.
"It is therefore important, particularly in the competitive tourism industry, that the decisions of the board are transparent and that any perceived or actual conflicts are being (and are seen to be) appropriately addressed."
The audit was sent to TA for a comment before publication. It shows that TA agreed with all the conclusions and has subsequently taken steps to tighten its financial controls, governance procedures and measures to ensure better performance indicators in marketing and advertising contracts.On the Web: http://www.anao.gov.au/uploads/documents/2008-09AuditReport02.pdf)
Imtiaz Muqbil is executive editor of Travel Impact Newswire, an e-mailed feature and analysis service focusing on the Asia-Pacific travel industry.
Tourism Australia's transparency checkup
IMTIAZ MUQBIL
The cause of transparency and good governance in travel and tourism organisations worldwide has taken a huge step forward with the publication of an Australian government audit of A$184 million worth of marketing service contracts by Tourism Australia, as well as conflict-of-interest issues among its board of directors.
Although the audit notes that TA, the country's national tourism body, has generally complied with financial regulations and that the delivery of services by its providers has been satisfactory, it faults a number of areas related to key performance indicators and evaluation of results. TA has acknowledged the findings and promised to rectify the deficiencies.
The audit should be must-reading among Asia-Pacific tourism organisations, many of which are suffering the consequences of operating in an environment with lax checks and balances and processes of accountability.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand, for example, has already been embarrassed by revelations of a US investigation into former governor Juthamas Siriwan's alleged links with funding of a film festival.
The Bangkok-based Pacific Asia Travel Association (Pata) is also facing pressure to show more transparency and accountability after media investigations uncovered numerous instances of poor governance.
The Australian audit reviewed Tourism Australia's procurement processes for selecting service providers; management of contracts; and governance framework, including planning, performance management and reporting.
It noted that TA's three major contracts consumed approximately 35% of its annual budgets of $167.8 million in 2005-06 and $158.6 million in 2006-07. It also found that there had been four internal audits and four external reviews of different aspects of the contracts since they were executed in 2005.
The audit acknowledged that TA operated in a commercial and competitive global environment and that its marketing and media contracts were fundamental to the success of its strategies.
However, it says, although the media placement and creative development contracts accurately reflected the services to be provided, they "did not include performance information that would enable Tourism Australia to evaluate the effectiveness of the services provided even though, as part of a review of the draft contracts, this was recommended."
In concluded: "Tourism Australia does not systematically evaluate the effectiveness of its projects and, currently, is unable to demonstrate what impact these projects have had on their target markets.
"The lack of evaluation also means that Tourism Australia is not identifying the factors affecting the success, or otherwise, of the projects or lessons learned that could be incorporated into future projects."
The audit noted that since July 2007, TA has improved its financial management processes and now requires expenditure for all major contracts to be authorised by the appropriate delegate when each marketing region draws against its allocated budget.
The most damning conclusions related to potential conflicts of interest, especially among the board members. As the board is composed mainly of people with expertise in tourism or hospitality, the audit said, discussions with industry players and survey responses from state tourism organisations indicated "that the perceived conflicts of interest of board members are a major risk to Tourism Australia's reputation".
It said there is also a "perception [among] stakeholders that a relationship exists between business interests, shareholdings, and board approvals and decisions.
"It is therefore important, particularly in the competitive tourism industry, that the decisions of the board are transparent and that any perceived or actual conflicts are being (and are seen to be) appropriately addressed."
The audit was sent to TA for a comment before publication. It shows that TA agreed with all the conclusions and has subsequently taken steps to tighten its financial controls, governance procedures and measures to ensure better performance indicators in marketing and advertising contracts.On the Web: http://www.anao.gov.au/uploads/documents/2008-09AuditReport02.pdf)
Imtiaz Muqbil is executive editor of Travel Impact Newswire, an e-mailed feature and analysis service focusing on the Asia-Pacific travel industry.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Chiang Mai resort aims to lead Mice shift
TOURISM
Chiang Mai resort aims to lead Mice shift
CHATRUDEE THEPARAT
RatiLanna Riverside Spa Resort, a luxury 75-room boutique resort, has hooked up with the Preferred Hotel Group (PHG) international marketing group as Chiang Mai attempts to tackle its room glut by targeting the Mice sector.
As a member of PHG, the new one-billion-baht resort will be integrated into PHG's global marketing network for promoting hotels and attracting high-end tourists. The US-based PHG has five brands and its 650 affiliated hotels in 75 countries have more than 115,000 guests. It also has global sales offices in 28 cities.
According to RatiLanna general manager Vorapong Muchaotai, PHG would help RatiLanna reach its key markets: leisure visitors from Europe, North America and the Middle East and the international meeting, incentive, convention and exhibition (Mice) market.
Located on the Ping River in the heart of Chiang Mai, RatiLanna Riverside Spa Resort is currently offering deluxe rooms from 5,400 baht per night, half the regular quoted rate.
Mr Vorapong, who is also deputy president of the Chiang Mai Tourism Association, said the association and Chiang Mai's public sector were trying to attract local and global corporate clients by offering low prices for Mice activities in the northern province.
The association has partnered with the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) and the Thailand Incentive Convention and Exhibition Association (TICA) to invite 100 foreign and Thai Mice operators to see Chiang Mai's readiness for the Mice industry.
It will also participate in the Incentive Travel & Conventions Meeting Asia in Bangkok in October, an event for more than 500 Mice operators worldwide.
Mr Vorapong said Chiang Mai was desperate to focus more on the Mice market because of a substantial room oversupply that has kept average hotel below 50% for the past three years. According to the Chiang Mai Tourism Association, while tourist arrivals rose an average of 7% annually from 2005-07, the same period saw a double-digit increase in the number of hotel rooms.
Tourism and Sports Ministry figures showed 20,816 hotel rooms in Chiang Mai at the end of 2007, compared with 16,673 in 2005. However, revenue from tourism fell to 39 billion baht in 2007 from 40 billion in 2006 and an average of 45 billion baht from 2001 to 2005.
While Chiang Mai attracted 5.59 million visitors in 2006 _ a rise of 39% from 2005 _ this was mainly driven by the Royal Flora exhibition and the figure fell 4.4% in 2007 to 5.35 million.
Chiang Mai resort aims to lead Mice shift
CHATRUDEE THEPARAT
RatiLanna Riverside Spa Resort, a luxury 75-room boutique resort, has hooked up with the Preferred Hotel Group (PHG) international marketing group as Chiang Mai attempts to tackle its room glut by targeting the Mice sector.
As a member of PHG, the new one-billion-baht resort will be integrated into PHG's global marketing network for promoting hotels and attracting high-end tourists. The US-based PHG has five brands and its 650 affiliated hotels in 75 countries have more than 115,000 guests. It also has global sales offices in 28 cities.
According to RatiLanna general manager Vorapong Muchaotai, PHG would help RatiLanna reach its key markets: leisure visitors from Europe, North America and the Middle East and the international meeting, incentive, convention and exhibition (Mice) market.
Located on the Ping River in the heart of Chiang Mai, RatiLanna Riverside Spa Resort is currently offering deluxe rooms from 5,400 baht per night, half the regular quoted rate.
Mr Vorapong, who is also deputy president of the Chiang Mai Tourism Association, said the association and Chiang Mai's public sector were trying to attract local and global corporate clients by offering low prices for Mice activities in the northern province.
The association has partnered with the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) and the Thailand Incentive Convention and Exhibition Association (TICA) to invite 100 foreign and Thai Mice operators to see Chiang Mai's readiness for the Mice industry.
It will also participate in the Incentive Travel & Conventions Meeting Asia in Bangkok in October, an event for more than 500 Mice operators worldwide.
Mr Vorapong said Chiang Mai was desperate to focus more on the Mice market because of a substantial room oversupply that has kept average hotel below 50% for the past three years. According to the Chiang Mai Tourism Association, while tourist arrivals rose an average of 7% annually from 2005-07, the same period saw a double-digit increase in the number of hotel rooms.
Tourism and Sports Ministry figures showed 20,816 hotel rooms in Chiang Mai at the end of 2007, compared with 16,673 in 2005. However, revenue from tourism fell to 39 billion baht in 2007 from 40 billion in 2006 and an average of 45 billion baht from 2001 to 2005.
While Chiang Mai attracted 5.59 million visitors in 2006 _ a rise of 39% from 2005 _ this was mainly driven by the Royal Flora exhibition and the figure fell 4.4% in 2007 to 5.35 million.
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