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Change in tourism tack urged Upscale backpackers the order of the day

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  • Change in tourism tack urged Upscale backpackers the order of the day

    http://www.bangkokpost.com/business/...ism-tack-urged

    Thailand enjoys a geographical advantage in becoming an Asean tourism and logistics hub, but the country must still focus on developing new tourism products, especially if it wants to attract repeat visitors, says one travel industry insider.

    M.L. Hathaijanok: New themes needed

    This will be especially important after the advent of the Asean Economic Community (AEC) in 2015, said M.L. Hathaijanok Kritakara, the general manager of corporate affairs at Accor Asia Pacific Corporation and honorary secretary of the Pacific Asia Travel Association.

    "We're still selling the same themes, the same temples _ there's nothing new for visitors who have already been to Thailand two or three times," he said, adding that the stream of tourists entering the country has not changed.

    He said many tourists now coming to Thailand, whether from other Asean members or as far away as India, are well-to-do and educated backpackers with diverse requirements ranging from mid-range to high-end services.

    "In the past, we've thought of them as people without much money, but today's backpackers are doctors, lawyers and others who are well-off and eager to learn about the real Thai lifestyle, who really want to experience Thai culture," said M.L. Hathaijanok.

    He suggests building new shopping malls and expanding existing ones that will attract tourists from other Asean countries that still lack these premium amenities, including Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam and Cambodia.

    Similarly, certain islands and other places could also be developed to cater to the demands of this new wave of tourists such as positioning Koh Phangan as a full-moon party destination for young revellers.

    Similarly, places like Khao San Road in Bangkok and Patong in Phuket could be promoted to meet the needs of a new wave of backpackers interested in integrating themselves into local society.

    Regarding anticipated foreign investment aimed at reaping benefits from a larger AEC market, M.L. Hathaijanok urged the Board of Investment to screen investors and approve only those genuinely concerned about sustainable development.

    "We need people willing to invest long term and generate sustainable revenue for the country instead of hit-and-run kind of investments," he said.

    As well, many Thai companies are looking to expand abroad and invest elsewhere in Asean.

    One such company is the Wuttisak Clinic, which opened locations in Laos and Cambodia last year.

    Nakorn Kornhiran, the managing director of Wuttisak Clinic Group Plc, urged investors not to be deterred from eyeing neighbouring countries just because they lack language skills.

    Language is not a barrier to investment in Asean as long as one can hire a reliable foreman or representative who can speak the local language.

    "There's no need to worry about not knowing the language. I myself had that problem with English as well as local knowledge but could still open several branches in Laos and Cambodia," said Mr Nakorn, adding that investors should properly research local demand before venturing in.
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