The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) organised the Ignite Tourism Thailand: TAT Skill Factory workshop to upskill workers in the tourism sector, which took place on June 15 and 16 at the Ambassador Hotel Bangkok in Thailand.
The workshop aimed to attract participants such as workers in tourism service businesses, tourism operators, and relevant government and private agencies. It was conducted by experts in the field on various topics, such as the future of service, tourism safety management, first aid, tourist assistance measures, and more.
TAT’s Thapanee Kiatphaibool, with the other organisers, sharing about the purpose of the workshop
The initiative follows the Thai government’s recently introduced Ignite Tourism Thailand policy to establish Thailand as a tourism hub for international tourists and boost tourism revenue.
The two-day workshop was jointly organised by the TAT, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the Ministry of Labour, and the Tourism Council of Thailand.
As well as seeking cooperation from the relevant public and private sector partners to help propel Thailand to achieve the Tourism Hub status, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports has outlined plans to elevate the value of Thai tourism.
Strategies include strengthening network, promoting secondary destinations, and fostering development of community products. Provinces will be urged to develop new attractions and routes, while helping to position Thailand as a home-stay destination and use natural resources sustainably.
Sermsak Pongpanit, minister of tourism and sports, said: “People are the heart of the tourism industry, and the development and upgrading of professionalism in the tourism industry is paramount. Through this workshop, we want to ensure that we all share the same goal in delivering unforgettable experiences to tourists every step of the way, from travel and accommodation to communication and safety.”
SiteMinder and Cloudbeds have joined forces to set a new benchmark in platform connectivity, delivering an improved onboarding experience and exceptional operational accuracy for more than 60,000 hoteliers globally.
This collaboration will provide Cloudbeds customers with direct access to SiteMinder’s revenue platform, while SiteMinder customers can explore the PMS platform offered by Cloudbeds. This means expanded distribution capabilities and deep actionable insights for hoteliers, enabling them to make better commercial decisions.
The partnership will create new distribution and revenue opportunities for hotels
“In late 2023, we announced our mission of making sophisticated revenue management accessible to every hotel in the world. We are excited to partner with an industry leader like Cloudbeds to propel this mission, by removing the friction that comes with having critical data hidden away in isolated systems,” said Sankar Narayan, CEO and managing director at SiteMinder.
Cloudbeds CEO Adam Harris added: “This partnership empowers hoteliers worldwide by providing unified visibility and control across our platforms. This is just the beginning. We are excited to deliver incremental revenue opportunities for hoteliers while optimising and streamlining the operational aspects of hotel connectivity.”
Minor Hotels has made two key promotions in Thailand at its Koh Samui and Koh Phangan resorts.
Ahmed Asim has been appointed as the new general manager of Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas, while Frederic Kolde takes on the role of general manager at Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort.
From left: Ahmed Asim and Frederic Kolde
Having started his career in hospitality in 2005, Asim was most recently the resort manager at Anantara Riverside Bangkok Hotel.
For Kolde, he joins Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort from Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel where was the hotel manager since 2023.
Gavin Maloney has been named as director of sales and marketing at Hyatt Regency Sydney.
With a career spanning over 25 years, he brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success with top luxury brands across four continents. He will lead the sales and marketing team at Hyatt Regency Sydney in his new role.
Throughout his career, Maloney has spearheaded transformative initiatives that have revitalised and repositioned several esteemed hotel brands across Australia, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific.
Meliá Ba Vi Mountain Retreat, situated in the uplands of Ba Vi National Park near Hanoi, is the first hotel in Vietnam to join the collection of properties around the world that form The Meliá Collection.
The new agreement was signed in May this year, with the official name change to take place in May 2025. Located within the national park, the 55-key Meliá Ba Vi Mountain will undergo refurbishments to further elevate its dining offerings and increase the range of wellness and well-being activities. Facilities comprise a spa, swimming pool, two restaurants, lounge, and event venues.
Meliá Ba Vi Mountain Retreat is located within the Ba Vi National Park, and offers 55 rooms and suites
The property was built upon the historic foundations of a French residence and embraces the local landscape with open spaces and a line-up of nature-based excursions such as a guided tour of the 200 relics in the historic French hill station, a rejuvenating forest bathing session with a meditation session in nature, as well as a hands-on workshop to learn the natural dyeing techniques used for generations by the indigenous ethnic community residing in the area.
“We have promoted the preservation of what Mother Nature offers and the cultural and historic values unique to Ba Vi Mountain,” said Luong Ngoc Anh, owner of Melia Ba Vi Mountain Retreat. “Right from the start, our designs were nature-friendly and in harmony with the surroundings, honouring the enduring historical legacy. We want to bring our guests a feeling of harmony and comfort through experiences that connect the past and the present and embrace sustainable development.”
Amara Sanctuary Sentosa in Singapore has undergone a five-month transformation to offer guests a new era of serenity on Sentosa Island.
Paying homage to the island’s maritime heritage as a former military fortress and the estate’s 100-year legacy, the redesign of this heritage resort showcases a selection of natural materials, including indigenous stone, venerable timber and reclaimed wood upcycled from traditional fishing vessels.
The refreshed lobby boasts a skylight and the ‘Everfresh Tree’ as the centrepiece
The island’s verdant environs are also mirrored through lush plants, which invigorate previously under-utilised spaces into tranquil spaces.
At the heart of the estate’s transformation lies the lobby, where a skylight casts a mesmerising play of light and shadow, as well as the four-metre Pithecellobium Confertum ‘Everfresh Tree’ with Davallia Fejeensis shrub as the centrepiece where at night, guests can observe the tree closing its leaves as it conserves water. The lobby also boasts cosy corners for guests to relax in, and there are plans for retail opportunities.
In the updated Villas and Suites, abundant planters are positioned to enhance the surroundings, as the outdoor courtyards and foyers provide nooks with daybeds, new settees, hammocks, or bar tables for guests’ use.
Additionally, Verandah Studios and Suites have been transformed into dual-key apartments with kitchenettes to accommodate the rise in multi-generational family travellers.
A new addition to the resort is the Sanctuary Tearoom which sits at the heart of the resort as its main dining space. The 146-seater minimalist restaurant – 88 indoors, 58 alfresco – transforms between meals to suit the occasion, such as serving the daily breakfast buffet, or hosting private functions and weddings.
There is also a patio area overlooking the lobby’s water feature, while floor-to-ceiling windows offer views of the picturesque lawn outside.
Dawn Teo, chief operating officer of Amara Holdings, commented: “In today’s fast-paced world, where many seek tranquillity and rejuvenation, our refreshed design approach resonates with travellers seeking solace in nature. We aim to offer more than just accommodation; we provide an immersive experience that nourishes the soul and renews the spirit, setting a new standard for hospitality in an ever-changing landscape.”
Centara Hotels & Resorts is offering an introductory offer for its upcoming Centara Life Lamai Resort Samui, set to welcome guests from August 15 this year.
To celebrate its opening, Centara Life Lamai Resort Samui is offering celebratory room rates, including daily complimentary F&B credit, daily breakfast for two, early check-in and late check-out, as well as an additional 15 per cent discount for CentaraThe1 members.
Centara Life Lamai Resort Samui celebrates its opening with special room rates
The introductory promotion runs from now to September 30 for stays between August 15 and December 20 this year.
Conveniently located just 6.5km from Samui International Airport and steps from Lamai Beach, this 61-key resort features an outdoor pool, fitness centre, complimentary onsite parking, a tuk-tuk service to the beach, and an all-day dining restaurant.
Guests can choose from Deluxe, Premier Loft, or Family Suite accommodation, with select rooms boasting separate living and dining areas, along with balconies.
The recent release of the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) latest Travel and Tourism Development Index saw Thailand tumble from 36th place to 47th, a significant blow to the government, which grew a meagre 1.5 per cent in 1Q2024.
The news has seen many within the travel and hospitality sector call for greater investment, financially and conceptually, in the industry.
Khao Yai is a destination that is relatively new to the international traveller; Haew Narok Waterfall in Khao Yai National Park, pictured
The WEF index is an analytical overview of a nation’s travel and tourism industry. Using sustainability, socioeconomic, and environmental factors, alongside stakeholder consultations, to inform its conclusions.
The index has five pillars. The first is the Business Environment, which looks at the extent to which a country’s policy environment is conducive to investment and enterprise. The next pillar, Safety and Security, considers security risks to locals, tourists and businesses. Health and Hygiene looks at this healthcare infrastructure and accessibility to treatments.
The Human Resources and Labour Market pillar monitors workforce skill levels, worker health and safety, pay rates, and equality in the workplace. The final pillar is ICT Readiness, which analyses the access and utility of information and communication technology infrastructure and digital services.
The WEF index’s findings pose a challenge to the Thai government’s tourism initiatives. Despite their efforts to streamline visa processes and promote the country’s travel product, the index’s results underscore the need for more substantial improvements.
Sandy Liw, general manager of InterContinental Khao Yai Resort, believes that improved infrastructure across the country, especially in less well-known locations, is key.
“The government may want to consider upgrading and expanding transportation infrastructure, including airports, roads, and public transit systems, to improve accessibility and convenience for tourists. This is especially important for remote areas like Khao Yai, which is such a beautiful destination and relatively new to the international traveller,” noted Liw.
“Completing the new highway early or introducing a high-speed train could significantly enhance access to such locations. Additionally, providing investment incentives in tourism infrastructure and services, particularly in underdeveloped areas, could be beneficial.”
For Sukamal Mondal, area general manager for Amari Bangkok and Shama Properties Bangkok at Onyx Hospitality Group, the index’s less-than-favourable results are an opportunity to improve.
He said: “The drop in Thailand’s ranking is certainly a matter of concern. But, we see this (report) as a call to action to enhance our collective efforts in improving the country’s tourism appeal. While it’s a setback, it also presents an opportunity for stakeholders to collaborate and innovate to regain our standing.”
However, Mondal cited the need for more funding at the ground level to address fundamental issues, stating that investment in upgrading transportation networks and modernising accommodation facilities is “essential”.
Mondal also called for more effective public/private partnerships to solve ongoing problems. Collaboration between the government and private sector can foster innovative solutions and ensure better resource utilisation. Additionally, focusing on sustainability and safety in tourism practices will not only draw more tourists but also enhance their overall experience. He added: “By addressing these areas collectively, we can work towards improving Thailand’s position in global tourism rankings.”
Anne Arrowsmith, general manager at 137 Pillars House Chiang Mai, also suggests looking past the obvious tourist centres to help reverse the issues raised in the WEF index.
“Regional tourism requires a bigger spotlight and a broader strategic approach, especially with respect to increased and more geographically diverse international flight arrivals. Chiang Mai is a prime example. Here, we have a surge in hotel supply while inbound flights have yet to attain pre-Covid levels. Initiatives are needed to attract key airline partners from the Middle East, India and beyond.”
Arrowsmith also explained how big international events will raise Thailand’s profile: “It would be good for the country to secure key sporting events to gain broader appeal. Look what F1 did for Singapore and how Saudi Arabia is investing heavily in elevating its appeal through golf and tennis events.”
From all of us at TTG Asia Media, Selamat Hari Raya Haji to our Muslim friends!
Throughout his career, Maloney has spearheaded transformative initiatives that have revitalised and repositioned several esteemed hotel brands across Australia, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific.
Ponant has appointed Deb Corbett as CEO Asia Pacific.
Corbett has been with the company for seven years, and has amassed 30 years of experience in the industry.