Challenge of mass tourism

EDITORIAL

Published: 27 Oct 2012 at 00.00
Newspaper section: News

If anyone with a stake in the country's tourism industry thought that the new cabinet reshuffle might provide them with a minister able to win back traditional markets, tap into new ones, deal with the lasting impact of the eurozone crisis, position the industry for the creation of the Asean Economic Community and prepare a strategy to counter Myanmar's growing appeal as an untapped destination, they were in for a disappointment.

Such political visionaries are rare but do exist. However they are unlikely to be attracted to a "non-core" ministry where tourism, a major earner of foreign exchange, is lumped in with sport.

If it is any consolation, the cabinet did approve several worthwhile projects during its meeting on Koh Samui this week. They included a small hospital on nearby Koh Tao and an underwater power cable for Koh Phangan to boost the power supply which should be in place by the time the island's new airport opens. Other projects are in the pipeline to promote tourism and develop its potential and these must be carefully thought out to avoid repeating the mistakes of the past. Often they have taken the form of glossing over the more sinister side of tourism development or condoning it as the end justifying the means.

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pjt
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Discussion 6 : 27 Oct 2012 at 16.576
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My friends in the industry note that whilst we may be getting more visitors from India and China they do not bring much purchasing power. It is not just quantity but also quality (ie disposable tourist dollars) that is important
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lungstib
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Discussion 5 : 27 Oct 2012 at 13.075
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I fear it is already too late. Unsustainable tourism is not only here it is still growing. I was involved in the tour business for 32 years and I have trouble trying to advise people who ask my opinion on where to go in Thailand. The fact that I now live way out in the country speaks volumes for that. Crowded unsightly beach areas, copious litter, shopping scams and transport woes. Where to start?
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Asian Hand
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Discussion 4 : 27 Oct 2012 at 09.294
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Tourism under the current government is not a priority. The industry itself will have to act on its own that rely on goverment, which is the way is should be. Get off your "butts" and do something different than just cranking tours.
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onlyasking
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Discussion 3 : 27 Oct 2012 at 07.163
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If Malaysia can have more than 24 mil tourists Thailand can have 30 mil. Thailand have so much more to offer. To cater for 30 mil tourist planning and infrastructural development must be put into place. One area where Thailand lags behind Malaysia are on electronic goods. You can buy electronics for 15% to 40% cheaper in KL than in BKK. Many people travel to KL to buy electronics and then spend their vacation in Thailand. If Thailand can become more competitive on this the average spending per tourists will increase and the country will draw higher spending tourists.
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nicholas
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Discussion 2 : 27 Oct 2012 at 06.542
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Although the comments mentioned in this article are laudable, does anyone really think that this or for that matter ,any previous Government really care about tourists, they look upon it as a 'cash cow' a way of earning money without actually having to do any work and the close contacts with develpoers have diminished the assests of the nation. Coupled with the obvious double pricing and toursist scams, , Tourism is a long way down the list of Important matters.
it is sad that Thais abuse their heritage and show scant disregard for it while at the same time espouse Thai culture and traditions.
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upena
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Discussion 1 : 27 Oct 2012 at 06.371
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Too bad the Ministry of Tourism and Sports and the Tourism Authority of Thailand will ignore this and continue to plunder Thailand.
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Challenge of mass tourism | Bangkok Post: opinion