Tourism offices join forces to improve professionalism, grow industry

By The Nation

 

In an effort to further boost the already growing tourist industry, two government offices are joining forces. The Department of Tourism (within the Ministry of Tourism and Sports) will work with the Provincial Office of Tourism and Sports to integrate tourism management and strengthen tourism expertise.

 

Government statistics peg the tourism industry as last year generating more than Bt2.51 trillion in revenue, representing about 17.7 per cent of the country’s gross domestic product and the industry is still growing strongly.

 

“It is therefore necessary to strengthen coordination between the DOT and the offices of tourism and sports in every province to ensure that tourism development and management in each locality continues to grow rapidly and efficiently,” said Wanasiri Morakul, director-general of the Department of Tourism (DOT).

 

According to Wanasiri, the collaboration between the DOT and the Provincial Office of Tourism and Sports aims to share knowledge and expertise, expand tourism networks, and strengthen coordination between tourism programmes in different provinces.

 

“Following the internal restructuring of the DOT and the advent of new tourism regulations, there is also a need to inform the DOT’s partners of the changes, to receive feedback and recommendations, and to ensure that all agencies under the Ministry of Tourism and Sports are working in the same direction,” she said.

 

In addition, strong collaboration from all branches under the Provincial Office of Tourism and Sports across the country will significantly strengthen Thailand’s tourism development by promoting new tourist attractions, improving tourism services and products, speeding up the registration of tour businesses and tour guides, and facilitating foreign movie productions in Thailand more efficiently, said Wanasiri.

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/breakingnews/30326685

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2017-9-14

Good to see collaboration towards a common goal between MOTS, POTS & DOT.

Wow, a press release,

Interesting statistics. Thailand's shadow economy is 40.9% of the GDP. So add 17.7% as tourism's contribution of the country’s GDP and we have 58.6%. So what makes up the rest?

There are a millions of free-loading public servants who need to be fed and clothed. There are gazillions of military troops and "political" generals who need to maintained in their high life quality. Then there is the RTP who rely heavily on monthly collections and handouts.

I am interested to know what makes up the remaining 41.4% of the Thai GDP. Any clues anyone?

http://investvine.com/thailands-shadow-economy-among-biggest-globally/

The Tourism authorities should take a hard look at the state of the footpaths in Nimmanhaemin Road, which are the worst in Chiang Mai, despite the fact that the most popular area for affluent Chinese visitors. This is a very bad image for this city. What must they be saying when they get back to China? Money from rates and taxes is flowing into government coffers  from rapid commercial development and nobody seems to be questioning where it is going. The buck stops with the Mayor who apparently gives a whole lot of cow pies about the reasons. I love the easy going accepting attitude of the Thais but I do wish they would get indignant about things once in a while and hold their bureaucrats' feet to the fire. 

4 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Tourism offices join forces to improve professionalism

May be a difficult task to 'improve' something that doesn't exist