International Day of Tourism: Is Thailand Really “Rethinking Tourism?”

“Rethink Tourism” is the official theme of this year’s International Day of Tourism. Thailand’s leading service-sector industry is in full-scale revival and rebound mode, but is it really rethinking the old business model? Is it really Building Back Better? Creating a New Normal? Converting a Crisis into an Opportunity?

Or is it all just going back to Business As Usual?

On Sept 28, one day after the official International Day of Tourism on Sept 27, the FCCT will hold a panel discussion to explore this theme. Speakers have been invited to do a future SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) analysis of Thai tourism within the broad context of a highly volatile and unstable local, regional and international operating environment.

This is a great opportunity to hear their perspectives on everything from the proposed 300-baht tourist fee to the long-term visas, “workation” schemes and the geopolitical/economic impact of the Russia-Ukraine war from our esteemed speakers;

Senator Weerasak Kowsurat, former Minister of Tourism and Sports, and now active in championing the cause of tourism for People with Disabilities.

Peter Semone, Chairman of the Bangkok-based Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), and Chief of Party of USAID’s Tourism For All Project, Dili, Timor-Leste.

Arrut Navaraj, Managing Director of Suan Sampran (formerly The Rose Garden) and President of Thai Organic Consumer Association (TOCA)

Chooleng Goh, GM of The Athenee Hotel and board member of the Thailand Incentive and Convention Association.