Bangkok, 23 March, 2017 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has launched a “Good Host” programme to raise awareness among tourism stakeholders about the importance of being hospitable hosts to all visitors to Thailand and making the kingdom a preferred tourist destination.
The “Good Host” programme kicked off with a three-day training session, taking place at the Thammasat Rangsit Convention Centre, Thammasat University, Rangsit Campus from 22 to 24 March, 2017. The opening ceremony on 23 March was presided over by H.E. General Thanasak Patimaprakorn, Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister.
H.E. Mrs. Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, Minister of Tourism and Sports said, “Thailand is famous for its hospitality and warm welcome, and we want to ensure that this image is retained.
“We need the agencies that work most closely with visitors; such as, the Immigration Bureau, Thai Customs, the Fine Arts Department, Marine Police and others to work hand-in-hand with hotels, airlines, hospitals, car rental companies and even grassroots communities, so that they offer seamless experiences and make our visitors feel safe and welcome in our nation,” Minister Kobkarn said.
The Good Host Programme is an initiative that provides extra training for public and private sector employees. The seminar will teach new ways of improving tourism products and services. Knowledge sharing and practical training will also be used to teach people on the programme how they can impress visitors and exceed their expectations about Thailand and its offerings.
A total of 1,500 representatives from the public and private sectors have been invited to join the “Good Host” training sessions. These attendees come from all regions of Thailand: the Central, South, Northeast, the East and the North.
Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT Governor said, “TAT initiated the Good Host programme with the aim of promoting Thailand as a preferred destination among tourists and travellers and of ensuring that all sectors of the industry work together to meet the expectations of visitors.”
Speakers at the Good Host programme include Dr. Thon Thamrongnawasawat who will talk about the Preservation of Thailand’s Natural Environment and Culture and English expert Chris Wright who will talk about marketing communications and dos and don’ts for people working closely with tourists.
Also making appearances at the event will be taxi driver Samaritans, Mr. Vithit Duangjumpol, and Mr. Chat Ubolchinda who rescued foreign tourists while they were stuck in thick river mud in Krabi. Participants will also have the chance to join ice-breaking sessions as well as get to know people from other good host networks.
Mr. Yuthasak added, “We want everyone in the industry to understand the importance of being a caring host, as this creates a value chain that benefits everyone in the nation. The Good Host programme will combine cutting-edge new techniques and training with age-old hospitality, meaning Thailand remains the preferred destination for travellers seeking a warm welcome,”.
