Marcel Schneider, General Manager Diethelm Travel (Thailand) Limited

Following a very encouraging response to our inaugural issue of Diethelm Travel’s Thailand Tourism Review 2002, we are pleased to present this second issue as a comprehensive round-up of trends and developments over the course of a very challenging year.

The year 2002 ended well for Thailand, with visitor arrivals of 10.79 million, up 7.3% over 2001. Then came the war in Iraq, fears of terrorism, travel advisories and out-of-proportion media coverage of SARS, all of which resulted in a dramatic business downturn.

Recent developments are raising fears that terrorism will threaten our industry and indeed the world for years to come. Similar to the 1970s, 80s and 90s, when the IRA and ETA terrorised parts of Europe, it has become a global issue. However, it is important that the concerns are kept in perspective and that international security and cooperation remain at the highest possible standards.

Teamwork has been important to help keep business flowing. We have worked with our hotel partners, other suppliers and TAT on promotion campaigns, joint sales and marketing initiatives. At the same time, investment in product upgrade has continued.

It is encouraging to see international hotel chains venture into the Thai market. The increased competition amongst international and local chains and stand-alone hotels should ensure that buyers continue to benefit from highly competitive rates.

In last year’s Review, we cited 10 reasons why Thailand’s travel & tourism industry has been able to rise to the challenge. Each of those reasons is as valid today as it was then. The kingdom’s products, services, standards, value for money, transportation systems, marketing campaigns, accessibility and other such factors together constitute a unique competitive advantage.

Most recently, Diethelm Travel's commitment to this constant process of improvement was recognised by a leading US travel publication, Conde Nast Traveler, which awarded us the Top Travel Specialist 2003 for our Thailand-based operation.

Diethelm Travel is the only tour operator based in Thailand to have received this prestigious recognition in a line up of 125 ‘World’s Greatest Travel Pros’.

Indeed, the award was a great honour for every member of staff at Diethelm Travel, whose customer focus, flexibility and friendly professional service underscore our dedication to provide the best travel experience in Thailand for discerning individual and group travellers.

As this edition of Thailand Tourism Review 2003 goes to print, there are signs of a growing travel recovery. Thailand is on alert to ward off security threats in the build-up to the APEC Summit in October 2003 and we are looking forward to a promising winter season 2003/2004.

At the same time, as the articles in this Review show, the Thai tourism industry is undergoing much change, internally, externally and structurally. Change must take place in order to further improve standards and compete effectively.

Change for the better means progress, which is reflected in our choice of cover design for this year’s Review. The nine gold leaves hold a special meaning for Thai people — gold symbolises prosperity, and the figure nine represents progress. It is a fitting choice for the Thai tourism industry, as it prepares to take on new challenges and move strategically towards a golden future.

Finally, as we said last year and repeat this year, the ultimate insurance of our industry’s long-term future is the peace and stability of Thailand under the wise and benevolent reign of His Majesty the King.

That is one factor, which we hope and pray will not change for a long, long time to come. Long Live the King

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