Business
BluAnda dodges mass markets, backs quality tours

PHUKET: For a premium tour company in Phuket, the goal is providing superior services and beating the crowds of a developing mass- tourism market by delivering private experiences at the region’s most well-known destinations.
A newcomer to the Andaman island tour market, BluAnda walked onto the scene recognizing exactly that, and within three years has developed a strong client base through three Phuket offices and more than 200 employees.
“Before we started the business, we sat down and began thinking: how can we do everything better than everyone else?” said Phenpat Morakotwist, deputy managing director of BluAnda.
The answer was not necessarily finding new Andaman destinations for clients, but ensuring that the quality of the experiences at well-known locations were exceptional – postcard perfect, if possible.
“The first thing we decided to take care of was the boat,” Ms Phenpat said. “We didn’t opt for a typical speedboat, because the sea here is choppy, making travelling in a speedboat uncomfortable. We use a catamaran, which keeps the deck stable and makes the ride smooth.”
The catamarans used by the company have a capacity of 40 passengers. However, Ms Phenpat assured that the number of guests was capped at about 25.
“We do not cater to more than 20-25 people at a time, to give our guests the best experience they can get,” explained Ms Phenpat.
The next major hurdle that BlueAnda identified for tour operators was ensuring quality of service through highly-trained staff. Though only three years in, and having had their official grand opening this year, the company provides a three-year training program, which includes a variety of courses, including language classes and safety training.
“It’s not an easy process, and many of our employees quit, but the ones who stay are well prepared
to keep the customers happy,” said Ms Phenpat.
The third, and possibly the most important, element of the company’s strategy, is developing unique tour programs, a true challenge in a saturated market with a limited number of ‘must-see’ destinations, most of which are already overrun by tourists.
“It’s all about timing. Other companies go to popular spots together and tourists have to share them with the crowds,” Ms Phenpat explained.
“We choose a different time of day, giving our guests a private experience of these beautiful places. It’s a true way to relax and admire the incredible beauty of the area, a real paradise on earth.”
Ms Phenpat added that the company was not shaken by the recent changes in the tourism sector. Though the current climate is not one for growth, the company is prepared to weather the storm by relying on quality.
“For now our focus is on the promotion of the quality [experiences], which we already deliver,” Ms Phenpat said.
For more information: www.bluanda.com
Additional reporting by Maciek Klimowicz
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Business
Governments & old media versus social media – who will win? | VIDEO

We look at the recent changes made by the Australian and Indian governments to except control over the world’s biggest social media platforms. India has issued strict new rules for Facebook, Twitter and other social media platforms just weeks after the Indian government attempted to pressure Twitter to take down social media accounts it deemed, well, anti social. There is now an open battle between the rise of social media platforms and the governments and ‘old’ media that have been able to maintain a certain level of control over the ‘message’ for the last century. Who will win?
The rules require any social media company to create three roles within India… a “compliance officer” who ensures they follow local laws; a “grievance officer” who addresses complaints from Indian social media users; and a “contact person” who can actually be contacted by lawyers and other aggrieved Indian parties… 24/7.
The democratisation of the news model, with social media as its catalyst, will continue to baffle traditional media and governments who used to enjoy a level of control over what stories get told. The battles of Google and Facebook, with the governments of India and Australia will be followed in plenty of other countries as well.
At the root of all discussions will be the difference between what governments THINK social media is all about and the reality about how quickly the media landscape has changed. You’ll get to read about it first, on a social media platform… probably on the screen you’re watching this news story right now.
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Business
The social media giants in battle with ‘old’ media and world governments | VIDEO

“The rules signal greater willingness by countries around the world to rein in big tech firms such as Google, Facebook and Twitter that the governments fear have become too powerful with little accountability.”
India has issued strict new rules for Facebook, Twitter and other social media platforms just weeks after the Indian government attempted to pressure Twitter to take down social media accounts it deemed, well, anti social.
The rules require any social media company to create three roles within India… a “compliance officer” who ensures they follow local laws; a “grievance officer” who addresses complaints from Indian social media users; and a “contact person” who can actually be contacted by lawyers and other aggrieved Indian parties… 24/7.
The companies are also being made to publish a compliance report each month with details about how many complaints they’ve received and the action they took.
They’ll also be required to remove ‘some’ types of content including “full or partial nudity,” any “sexual act” or “impersonations including morphed images”
The democratisation of the news model, with social media as its catalyst, will continue to baffle traditional media and governments who used to enjoy a level of control over what stories get told.
The battles of Google and Facebook, with the governments of India and Australia will be followed in plenty of other countries as well.
At the root of all discussions will be the difference between what governments THINK social media is all about and the reality about how quickly the media landscape has changed. You’ll get to read about it first, on a social media platform… probably on the screen you’re watching this news story right now.
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Never miss out on future posts by following The Thaiger.
Business
Turbulence ahead for Thailand’s aviation industry | VIDEO

When the airlines, in particular, were asking the government to put their hands in their pockets for some relief funding in August last year, it was genuinely thought that international tourists would be coming back for the high season in December and January. At the very least local tourists and expats would head back to the skies over the traditional holiday break. And surely the Chinese would be back for Chinese New Year?
As we know now, none of that happened. A resurge in cases started just south of Bangkok on December 20 last year, just before Christmas, kicking off another round of restrictions, pretty much killing off any possibility of a high season ‘bump’ for the tourist industry. Airlines slashed flights from their schedule, and hotels, which had dusted off their reception desks for the surge of tourists, shut their doors again.
Domestically, the hotel business saw 6 million room nights in the government’s latest stimulus campaign fully redeemed. But the air ticket quota of 2 million seats still has over 1.3 million seats unused. Local tourists mostly skipped flights and opted for destinations within driving distance of their homes.
As for international tourism… well that still seems months or years away, even now.
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