Amazing Thailand Press Conference at WTM 2023

07.11.2023 - 12:30 / breakingtravelnews.com / Thapanee Kiatphaibool

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is using the WTM 2023 as a platform to launch its new ‘Meaningful Relationship’ marketing communication concept to a worldwide tourism industry audience as well as to celebrate winners of the Responsible Thailand Awards 2023.
Present at the Amazing Thailand Press Conference on 6 November were Minister of Tourism and Sports, H.E. Ms. Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, and TAT Governor, Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, as well as TAT executives. The event was attended by members of the global media and industry professionals.

Miss Sudawan said “The Thai Government is committed to making the tourism sector become more environmentally friendly and applauds TAT’s establishment of the Sustainable Tourism Goals. The annual Responsible Thailand Awards also reflect our determination and enhance the image of Thailand as a responsible tourism destination.”

The annual Responsible Thailand Awards recognises the kingdom’s champions of sustainable tourism in six categories comprising 1) Animal Welfare, 2) Nature, 3) Marine and Heritage, 4) Community-based Tourism, 5) Hotel, Eco Lodge/Eco Hotel, and 6) Green Steps. This year, the winners are Mahouts Elephant Foundation, New Heaven Reef Conservation Programme, Kao Thep Pitak Community Restaurant, Devasom Khao Lak Resort, Elephant Hills, and Pattaya Elephant Sanctuary.

Following the Awards presentation, Ms. Thapanee delivered a media briefing and unveiled a new TVC on the ‘Meaningful Relationship’ communication concept.

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Ms. Thapanee said “The new ‘Meaningful Relationship’ marketing communication concept is designed to encourage travellers to engage in a meaningful connection whether it is with themselves, the local people, the community, nature, or even with Thailand. When travellers form a relationship with the people they meet and the place they visit, they will have an opportunity of creating lifelong friends, cherished recollections, and enjoyable time.”

The concept will be incorporated into TAT’s ongoing promotion of Thailand as a sustainable and responsible tourism.

As well as the annual Responsible Thailand Awards, TAT has developed and implemented its own Sustainable Tourism Goals (STGs) in line with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by the United Nations Development Programme.

TAT’s STGs encompass the entire Thai tourism industry in a Sustainable Tourism Acceleration Rating (STAR) system. Businesses that comply with the goals will attain a corresponding number of stars. Currently, there are 251 businesses with STAR certifications in Thailand.

Meanwhile, the biannual Thailand Tourism Awards has long signified the quality and excellence in Thailand’s tourism and hospitality operations. In the latest edition,