Hoteliers to discuss how to revive Thailand’s crippled hospitality industry

The hospitality industry has taken a beating from the pandemic and a 2 year revival plan is now in the works to at least address the urgent problems faced by Thai hotels and hospitality outlets. The Tourism and Sports Ministry is holding a brainstorming session and around 15 hotel operators are expected to join to discuss recovery solutions for the battered industry.

Some top executives are planned to pitch in on revival plan including those from Dusit International, Erawan Group, Asset World Corp and Minor Hotels. After those from the industry weigh in on possible solutions for the plan, the proposals will be discussed at the November 24 Tourism Authority of Thailand meeting. TAT governor Yuthasak Supasorn says that if needed, they’ll request an additional budget for the plan.

A main problem with Thailand’s tourism industry is the income gap. Some companies are benefitting from the reboot of domestic tourism, while other companies are still struggling to make ends meet, Yuthasak says. Others have already gone out of business, never to re-open.

Tour bus workers have been hit hard by the pandemic and 70% of all bus workers temporarily lost their jobs, according to Thai Transportation Operators Association vice president Jiradej Huayhongthong. He says tour operators have not been able to benefit from recent tourism schemes, which have been aimed at helping hotels and airlines, and suggests that future plans include tour operators.

SOURCE: Bangkok Post