Since September 1st, Thailand welcomes a new governor for its tourism sector. Mrs. Thapanee Kiartphaiboon succeeds Yuthasak Supasorn, whose term of office had expired. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is the official government body that manages all tourism-related activities in Thailand, including the country's domestic and international promotion. This change at the head of the organization marks the third time a woman has held this prestigious position since the TAT was founded 63 years ago.
Thapanee Kiartphaiboon's background
Thapanee Kiartphaiboon holds a Master's degree in Political Science from Thammasat University in Bangkok and a PhD in Public Administration from Seoul National University. She began her career in the Thai provincial administration and, in 2003, joined the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, where she gradually rose through the ranks to become Deputy Director General of the Department of Tourism Promotion in 2017, before taking over the management of TAT today.
Tourism sector objectives and challenges
The new governor takes the helm of TAT at a time of significant growth for Thailand's tourism sector. Thailand is one of the world's most popular destinationsThis is particularly true for travelers looking for paradise beaches and authentic Asian culture.
However, this popularity brings its own challenges for TAT's new management. The country faces environmental and social concerns resulting from sometimes uncontrolled tourism. The preservation of the country's natural resources, as well as sustainable economic and social development, are therefore at the heart of the concerns of Thapanee Kiartphaiboon and his team.
Responsible, sustainable tourism
The new governor's main objective is to promote responsible, sustainable tourism in Thailand. She intends to encourage partnerships between government bodies and the private sector to reconcile the development of tourism with the country's ecological and social imperatives. Initiatives include promoting local communities and important cultural sites, and strengthening environmental protection regulations.
Mitigating the negative impacts of mass tourism
To limit the harmful effects of mass tourism, TAT also intends to diversify sources of revenue for the tourism sector. This includes promoting the country's little-known destinations, as well as developing new products and services geared to niche markets such as health, educational and cultural tourism.
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