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Dusit Thani Pattaya cited as
‘Most Outstanding Green Hotel’
Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports and the Tourism Authority of
Thailand (TAT) recently awarded Dusit Thani Pattaya the ‘Most
Outstanding Green Leaf Hotel / Resort’ for its exceptional contribution
in environmental management.
 Prawes
Akanimart (left), president of the hotel’s Green Leaf Committee,
receives the award from Dr. Suvit Yodmani, Thailand’s Minister of
Tourism and Sports.
The ‘Most Outstanding Green Leaf Hotel/Resort’ Award was featured in
this year’s Thailand Tourism Awards to recognize outstanding
contributions by an environmentally-friendly hotel or resort property.
Dusit Thani Pattaya has been recognized locally and internationally for
its commitment to environmental conservation by implementing strict
in-house programs that fosters environmentally-friendly practices, such
as the efficient use of energy and water, water management, recycling,
proper waste management, and policies that favour the purchase of
products and services from equally committed environmentally-friendly
companies.
Dusit Thani Pattaya has three times been awarded the Green Leaf
certificate with Five Leaves. Green Leaf certificate with Five Leaves is
the highest level awarded to a hotel signifying excellence in
environmental management. The 462-room resort hotel was also certified
with a seal of ‘socio-ecological distinction’ by Kuoni Green Planet
Award.
“We are truly honoured to be recognized by the Thailand Tourism Awards
for our environmental initiatives,” said Chatchawal Supachayanont,
General Manager of Dusit Thani Pattaya. “This award demonstrates our
commitment to improve the environment while providing our guests with a
remarkable resort experience.”
The Thailand Tourism Awards are considered to be Thailand’s ‘Hallmark of
Excellence’ in the tourism industry – a symbol of assurance in the
outstanding quality and reliability of tourism products and services
offered by a particular organization, operator or community.
Chiang Mai to get leg up
with links to global cities
Chiang Mai’s beleaguered tourism industry, which was facing a 10-year low
during this year’s low season, looks set to enjoy a brighter future with
Thai Airways International’s and JetStar Airways’ plans to link Thailand’s
second largest city direct with Tokyo, Shanghai and Sydney next year.
According to Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the Thai national airline
and the Australia-based low-cost carrier have expressed interests to operate
on the three new regional routes. However, the press offices of THAI or
JetStar have not confirmed the news, saying the TAT might have obtained the
information from some preliminary discussions.
The city’s tourism operators have been mourning over the insufficient
international direct flights despite Chiang Mai Airport being recently
upgraded to handle large long-haul aircraft.
To date, there are only nine airlines operating direct regional short-haul
flights to Chiang Mai from Kunming, Singapore, Yangon, Luang Prabang,
Taipei, Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur. Korean Air and Bangkok Airways are the
latest airlines introducing two new regional connections with Seoul and Siem
Reap, respectively, since October.
Thai Hotels Association (THA) Northern Upper Chapter president and The
Empress Hotel Chiang Mai general manager, Kanog Suvannavisutr, said it was
good news if there would be more regional direct flights to Chiang Mai in
the future. He said the new Incheon-Chiang Mai route helped to boost the
number of South Korean arrivals, but room-nights from this market was still
considered minimal.
Mr. Kanog said (THA) Northern Upper Chapter and other concerned public and
private sectors planned to leverage on the city’s increasing number of
five-star properties to turn Chiang Mai into a MICE (meetings, incentives,
conventions and exhibitions) destination between next year and 2009 and that
promotion campaigns are currently being outlined. (TTG)
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