The Thai government proudly announces the launch of the Accessible Thailand Wellness Tourism (ATWT) initiative. The programme will commence with a media event at the SIRIRAJ H SOLUTIONS wellness centre on Wednesday, 8 May 2024. Hosted on the 5th floor of the ICS Lifestyle Complex, this inaugural event aims to engage media representatives and stakeholders in this groundbreaking endeavour.
Asst. Prof. Supawadee Photiyarach, Chairperson of the Tourism and Creative Economy Programme Board, Programme Management Unit for Competitiveness (PMUC), announced that for the first time, Thailand introduces their research on accessible wellness tourism experiences rooted in the essence of “Thainess” that stimulate all five senses: physical appearance, taste, smell, sound, and touch. The Programme Management Unit for Competitiveness (PMUC) funded Mahidol University, in collaboration with a team of researchers from the Faculty of Medicine at Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University International College, the College of Music, Mahidol University, and King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang. The primary investor, alongside Nutty’s Adventures Company Limited and Pan Pho Company Limited as co-investors and researchers in this project, have spearheaded the development of the targeted wellness tourism programme. This initiative is part of a broader effort to establish Thailand as a leading model in wellness tourism accessible to all people. These programmes include a range of creative activities designed to enhance the tourist experience, such as the Accessible Wellness Tourism Package targeting visitors with special needs, the dissemination of therapeutic food recipes for special needs and seniors, the organisation of a “Szense Music Festival” scheduled to start later this year (2024), and the development of a website to compile all service information regarding the ATWT initiative.
The “Kick Off Meeting: Project Accessible Thailand Wellness Tourism (ATWT)” will spotlight the state-of-the-art facilities at SIRIRAJ H SOLUTIONS and feature presentations from key figures, including the comprehensive approach of ATWT in making wellness tourism accessible to all, and the development of tailored packages to accommodate travellers requiring additional assistance.
The ATWT initiative is set to generate significant positive economic and social benefits in Thailand. This strategic effort aims to boost the Thai tourism economy by attracting 100 high-quality inbound tourists by the end of 2024. The anticipated outcomes include a notable increase in revenue for local entrepreneurs, with projections of a 10-million-baht revenue increase for at least one entrepreneur by 2025, and for nine entrepreneurs by 2027. This project is expected to enhance the economic landscape of the key main provinces of Bangkok and Phuket, as well as the secondary province of Nakhon Pathom, by contributing to the local economies and expanding entrepreneurial opportunities in the wellness tourism sector. From a social perspective, ATWT ensures that all individuals will have equal access to Thailand’s diverse tourism products and services. Furthermore, this initiative empowers the local communities, the true owners of the land, with improved capabilities and potential to deliver exceptional tourism services.
This project is of great importance to Thailand, a country distinguished for its health check-ups, traditional Thai medicine, and inclusive tourism services for all people. Thailand stands among the first in the region to implement tourism programmes catered to accommodate travellers with disabilities who often travel with family or caregivers, as well as senior tourists who consistently visit Thailand. Indeed, Thailand is a preferred destination for retirees from abroad seeking to either reside temporarily or permanently. Concurrently, Thailand aims to become a Medical Hub, a strategic move that promises to elevate its tourism sector from general visitation to more valuable medical tourism, diversifying its strategic tourism offerings.
Discover more about ATWT on their Facebook page, https://facebook.com/atwt.project, and at https://atwt.in.th/. +66-922545974 nutty.chillies@gmail.com