The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is organising the “Ignite Tourism Thailand: TAT Skill Factory” workshop to upskill workers in tourism sector as part of Prime Minister’s Ignite Thailand vision, which aims to promote the country as the region’s tourism hub and global destination for tourists across the world.
Scheduled to take place on 15-16 June 2024 at the Ambassador Hotel Bangkok, the workshop is expected to attract 300 participants, including workers in tourism service businesses, tourism operators, and relevant government and private agencies.
The workshop will be conducted by experts in the field on various topics, such as, the “Future Lenses for Service” by Asst. Prof. Ake Pattaratanakun, Ph.D., Head of Marketing, Faculty of Commerce and Accountancy, Chulalongkorn University, and “English Skill for Service Business” by Mr. Gregory J. Raymond, a well-known English teacher and TV host. Other topics include tourism safety management, first aid, and tourist assistance measures.
The two-day workshop is being organised by the TAT, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the Ministry of Labour, and the Tourism Council of Thailand.
The event is held in alignment with the Thai government’s “Ignite Tourism Thailand” policy to position the country as a tourism hub. The goals also include a target of 3.5 trillion Baht in tourism revenue this year, with an aim to earn much more in the coming years.
Mr. Sermsak Pongpanit, Minister of Tourism and Sports, said “People are the heart of the tourism industry, and the development and upgrading of professionalism in the tourism industry is paramount. Through this workshop, we want to ensure that we all share the same goal in delivering unforgettable experiences to tourists every step of the way, from travel and accommodation to communication and safety.”
As well as seeking cooperation from the relevant public and private sector partners to help propel Thailand to achieve the “Tourism Hub” status, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports has outlined plans to elevate the value of Thai tourism.
Strategies include strengthening network, promoting secondary destinations, and fostering development of community products. Provinces will be urged to develop new attractions and routes, while helping to position Thailand as a homestay destination and use natural resources sustainably.
Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labour, said “This workshop corresponds with our plans on the development and upgrading service sector workers. Our aim is to improve the quality of life of workers in tourist provinces by adjusting wages appropriately. Our initial goal is to increase the minimum wage to 400 Baht per day.”
The workshop also forms part of regular seminars and workshops organised by the Department of Skill Development, Ministry of Labour. The aims are to enhance the competitiveness and improved the quality of the workforce in related basic skills, while helping to ensure employment confidence for businesses that they will receive quality workers for their operations and services.
Mr. ChamnanSrisawat, President of the Tourism Council of Thailand, said “A fundamental requirement in the tourism industry is the service mind. We want to deliver lasting impression and memorable experience throughout the tourist’s journey in Thailand, and ultimately inspire then to visit Thailand repeatedly. This will lead to a growth in tourism revenue, helping to boost the economy and the positive image of Thailand as a leading destination.”
TAT has designed the two-day workshop to elevate the skills of the workforce in the tourism sector. The initiative follows the recently introduced “Ignite Tourism Thailand” policy to establish Thailand as a tourism hub for tourists from around the world and boost tourism revenue.
Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT Governor, said “The “Ignite Tourism Thailand” policy is being implemented through five key strategies which include 1) elevating the tourist experience every step of the journey across all touchpoints, 2) promoting must-do activities, 3) raising awareness of hidden-gem destinations, 4) promoting intra-regional travel linkage with Thailand as a Hub of ASEAN, and 5) hosting more world-class events.” (TAT)
