Did you know that 1987 marked a pivotal moment in tourism history? It was the year Thailand unleashed its audacious Visit Thailand Year campaign, not once, but twice! In 1980, they planted the seeds for success, but it was 1987, coinciding with His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej's 60th birthday, that truly sent shockwaves through the global industry. Visitor arrivals rocketed, Thailand's reputation soared, and the world discovered the kingdom's charm like never before. But how did they achieve this? And what challenges lay beneath the dazzling surface? In this session, we embark on a captivating journey through Visit Thailand Year 1987, celebrating its accomplishments, learning from its shortcomings, and gleaning insights that can guide us towards a brighter future of responsible tourism.

Thursday, February 29, 2024, 3 PM Singapore (8 AM Girona | 12:30 PM New Delhi | 2 PM Bangkok | 5 PM Queensland | Feb 28, 11 PM Vancouver)

Speakers:

Imtiaz Muqbil, Executive Editor, Travel Impact Newswire

Imtiaz Muqbil has been reporting on the Thai, ASEAN and Asia-Pacific Travel & Tourism industry since 1981, making him the region's leading Travel & Tourism journalist-cum-historian. A Diploma holder from the London School of Journalism, he was Thailand Bureau Chief and Chief Correspondent for Travel Trade Gazette Asia and PATA Travel News between 1981-1992. Read more

Pichaya Saisaengchan, Director, the Americas, the Middle East, and Africa, Tourism Authority of Thailand

30 year experience of in promoting Thailand as a tourist destination with the Tourism Authority of Thailand. Still enjoy it!

Ben Montgomery, Director of Business Relations Management, Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand

Ben is a corporate ambassador for Centara Hotels & Resorts, the sustainable growing Thai-owned hotel chain. She is responsible for strengthening relations between Centara and the owners of Centara-managed hotels currently located in 15 countries in Asia and the Indian Ocean. Read more