Bangkok, October 18, 2011 — A group of more than 50 invited travel agents and media in the Europe, Africa and Middle East region invited to survey Green Tourism products and services in Thailand convened on October 13, 2011 for a debriefing and workshop to share their comments and provide feedback.
Invited as part of the “Thailand Goes Green” campaign organised by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the group visited four suggested “Green Routes” nationwide between 13-17 October. These are:
Lisu Lodge and Lanjia Lodge (Chiang Mai – Chiang Rai)
Loei Eco-Route: Along the scenic Khong River (Udon Thani – Nong Khai – Loei – Phitsanulok)
Green Escapes and Soft Adventure (Ratchaburi- Samut Songkhram – Phetchaburi – Hua Hin)
The Flavours and Fragrances of Central Thailand (Amphawa – Phetchaburi –
Hua Hin)
TAT Governor Suraphon Svetasreni said, “Thailand has a myriad of excellent ecotourism spots, including national parks, cultural heritage sites and marine parks. For many years, we have promoted our commitment to environmental conservation and preservation, in line with the growing worldwide consciousness of the damage being caused by global warming and climate change.
“This invitation to the travel agents and media was a part of this strategy,” he said.
The trip was supported by the Thai Ecotourism and Adventure Travel Association (TEATA), which is deeply involved with promoting sustainable tourism development, community-based tourism and Thai local lifestyles. The TEATA helped plan the expedition routes for this fam trip.
On October 18, the workshop will be held between 09.30-12.00 hrs at the Pathumwan Princess Bangkok to summarise the results of the four expeditions. Participants will share their views and comments on ways to upgrade the routes in terms of products and services and suggest ways to market them.
Also invited to the workshop will be the Green Leaf Foundation and the Thailand Community Based Tourism Institute. The workshop will be followed by a Table Top doing-business session between 100 Thai tour operators and the 25 visiting travel agents between 13.30-15.30 hrs.
The TAT will launch a micro-website “Thailand Goes Green”, www.thailandgoesgreen.net in November to provide additional exposure for Green Tourism products and services in Thailand.
Mr Suraphon said, “We are grateful to the invited agents for taking the time to visit Thailand and share their views with us. Their feedback will give us valuable input on how we can maintain our competitive strengths in this important segment of the global tourism market.”
