Bangkok, 27 June 2019 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has supported a unique forum organised by a long-serving Thai travel trade journalist on the enlightening 60-year history of Thai tourism.
TAT Governor Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn and TAT Deputy Governor for Digital Research and Development Mr. Siripakorn Chaewsamoot headed a team of TAT executives who participated in the forum organised on 14 June, 2019, by Mr. Imtiaz Muqbil, Executive Editor, Travel Impact Newswire.
Named “Thailand: The Greatest Story in Global Tourism HiSTORY,” the forum was designed as a build-up to 2020 when TAT will mark the 60th anniversary of its founding. It included a detailed historic analysis of the many factors that have driven Thai tourism forward, shaped the kingdom’s tourism image and made it the leading economic and job-creating sector.
The day-long Forum featured hindsights on the history of important contributing factors; such as, the aviation sector, the emergence of the Greater Mekong Subregion, and the re-invention of several domestic destinations. Mr. Muqbil also discussed how Thailand has dealt with the many crises that have impacted tourism and paid tribute to industry veterans, both Thais and expatriates.
Mr. Yuthasak said he valued the opportunity to gain some thought-provoking insights on Thai tourism history.
“Our current tourism campaign bears the slogan, “Open to the New Shades.” In the context of history, it was interesting to realise that Thailand has in fact been open to people of all shades for centuries. We are proud to have welcomed migrants, businesses and entrepreneurs from all over the world.
“As TAT begins preparing the roster of events to mark our 60th anniversary in 2020, it will be of great benefit to take a look back and learn from our rich history of tourism marketing and management experiences, both positive and negative.”
Mr. Muqbil, who has been reporting on Thai tourism since 1981, was also one of the invited speakers on the same topic at the Thailand Travel Mart Plus in early June.
