TTM in Bangkok is a triumph

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Jacinta from Travelbiz interviewed Khun Teerasil Tapen (Executive Director Europe, Africa & Middle East) highlighting the plans for 2023 and beyond which is all about the favourite theme of sustainability and encouraging more visitors to Thailand.

Khun Tapen is an extremely affable person who is absolutely passionate about his country and is delighted to share all the good news and the strategic plans that Tourist Authority of Thailand has lined up. STG (sustainable travel goals) are key and the Government is not just marketing, but also developing and trying to change the image of Thailand. This core concept of meaningful travel was borne out too in the Post Fam trips that are being organised to lesser known parts of the country.

The very novel idea of “Hub and Hook” and the policy of “second tier city” is to divert tourism from the usual hot spots and match a well known city or island with a couple of areas slightly off the beaten track. Hubs such as Chang Mai can be paired with Chang Rai and Nan Province; Surathani Province and Phuket can be matched with Trang and Krabi. This not only protects natural heritage and spirit of the people, but it benefits local communities financially and encourages local business enterprise and employment. Rural communities particularly see rewards in these innovative schemes.

Naturally, air capacity and fuel increases are a worry overall, but Khun Tapen sees positivity in new air routes from Europe (Manchester, Milan and Oslo) and the market from China is opening up again. In addition, the practice code of conduct requests cooperation from partners with hotels becoming more involved in general areas of sustainability (detergent abuse, single use plastic etc.). Next year is seen as a year of partnership and the “second tier” is second to none with intense competition. Expansion to new markets; luxury experiences; Bangkok life (with food, wellness, shopping) and cruises on the Chao Prayo river are all in the mix. I see Thailand as an exciting place to visit now and in the future. Staying at a couple of excellent 5 star hotels in Bangkok (Pathumwan Princess Hotel with its super location incorporating MBK Shopping Centre and direct access to the Sky Train) and the Lancaster Hotel (where we received a royal welcome and had our Grand Finale evening), we had a wonderful time in Amazing Thailand.