Upscale backpackers the order of the day
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.
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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