The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has entered into a partnership with Michelin Travel Partner to publish a Bangkok edition of the prestigious Michelin Guide. The aim is to allow food lovers to explore Thailand’s culinary scene, raise the profile of Thai restaurants and boost the economy. The first guide is expected to be released by the end of 2017.
The Michelin Guide Bangkok is to be released in a bilingual Thai and English edition and will be available in a print and digital version. The Guide will be jointly promoted by TAT and is projected to boost overall food spending per head of tourists in Thailand by 10 per cent. Bangkok will be the focus of the first Thailand based Michelin Guide, with restaurants and eateries from other Thai destinations to be included in later editions.
Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT Governor said, “Everyone knows that the Michelin Guides are ideal books for international food lovers. We hope that this partnership between TAT and Michelin will boost high-quality tourism in Thailand, while helping visitors get more out of Thailand’s rich culinary scene. The Guide will also inspire local restaurants to improve their quality and raise the bar in terms of gastronomic excellence”.
Mr. Lionel Dantiacq, President and Managing Director (East Asia and Australia) of the Michelin Group said, “Bangkok is one of the world’s culinary capitals, offering amazing cuisine, from fine dining from renowned international chefs to small family-owned eateries. The kingdom’s food also has a long, rich heritage which enhances the pleasure of tourists travelling.”
The Michelin Guides have been published in Europe for more than a century and now cover 28 countries. The reviews are put together by anonymous inspectors who use time-tested methods to ensure international standards of excellence. A restaurant is then judged for: quality of ingredients; flair and skill in preparation and combining flavours; the chef’s personality as revealed through the cuisine, and value for money and consistency of standards.
Providing a showcase of gourmet dining around the world, the Michelin Guides highlight the culinary dynamism of a country, as well as new trends and emerging young chefs. In addition the Guides contribute to the prestige of the local gastronomy, thereby making cities and countries more attractive to tourists. (TAT)
