Prime Minister Promotes Sustainable Tourism at Conference in Phuket
Paetongtarn Shinawatra discusses soft power and strategic tourism initiatives amid shifting market dynamics.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra arrived in Phuket on March 28, 2025, to oversee economic stimulus measures and advocate for soft power in promoting sustainable tourism in Thailand's southern region.
Accompanied by Government Spokesman Jirayu Houngsub, the Prime Minister is set to deliver a keynote lecture during the Thailand Sustainable Tourism Conference (TSTC) 2025, taking place at the Phuket Rajabhat University Convention Centre.
The TSTC 2025 is part of Thailand’s preparations to host the Global Sustainable Tourism Conference (GSTC) in the following year.
The conference aims to enhance awareness regarding sustainable tourism development, focusing on a balance between economic, social, and environmental considerations.
It aspires to encourage tourism operators to adopt sustainable practices, which is viewed as essential for reinforcing Thailand’s tourism sector amidst fluctuating global markets and environmental challenges.
Discussions during the conference will emphasize public-private partnerships as a pathway to resilience in the tourism industry.
In addition to her lecture, PM Shinawatra plans to engage with relevant agencies to develop tourism promotion strategies aimed at securing long-term sustainable growth for the sector.
In related developments, Thanapol Cheewarattanaporn, the newly elected president of the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA), has called for increased state support for marketing initiatives and tourism development efforts to attract foreign tourists, especially in light of a slowdown in the Chinese market.
The ATTA noted a 47% year-on-year decrease in Chinese tourist arrivals thus far in 2025, with 214,213 Chinese visitors recorded between January 1 and March 25.
Mr. Cheewarattanaporn expressed that collaboration between the government and the private sector on tourism marketing has been insufficient.
While he acknowledged the government's commitment to addressing concerns related to travel safety, including a recent pledge made by Prime Minister Shinawatra to address cyber scams with Chinese authorities, he highlighted the need for more direct engagement with Chinese tour operators to restore tourism confidence.
Additionally, the new ATTA president plans a promotional roadshow to second-tier cities in China, which will involve around 100 Thai operators and 400-500 Chinese operators in May.
Meanwhile, the Tourism Authority of Thailand recently announced a domestic tourism co-payment scheme expected to be proposed to the cabinet prior to the Songkran festival.
This initiative aims to subsidize accommodation costs by 40% in major cities and 50% in second-tier cities, with a budget allocation of 3.55 billion baht to accommodate 1 million bookings.
Each participant may book up to ten nights under this program.
In parallel, LHMH, a hotel management company, is preparing to launch the Grand Centre Point Lumphini, its first luxury hotel under the Prestige Collection, on April 1, 2025. This development reflects a significant investment of 4.8 billion baht and aims to meet the luxury accommodation demand from both local and international markets.
The hotel is expected to feature 512 upscale rooms and amenities tailored to both leisure travelers and business clients.
Recent averages for LHMH's existing hotels reported occupancy rates exceeding 85% with total revenues reaching 5.575 billion baht in 2024.
The Grand Centre Point Lumphini project is strategically located in the heart of Bangkok, close to key business districts and attractions, aiming to provide a diverse range of services designed for premium travelers, including world-class dining and wellness facilities.
With the integration of meeting and event spaces, the hotel intends to further bolster Thailand's reputation as a premier destination for business and luxury tourism.
Accompanied by Government Spokesman Jirayu Houngsub, the Prime Minister is set to deliver a keynote lecture during the Thailand Sustainable Tourism Conference (TSTC) 2025, taking place at the Phuket Rajabhat University Convention Centre.
The TSTC 2025 is part of Thailand’s preparations to host the Global Sustainable Tourism Conference (GSTC) in the following year.
The conference aims to enhance awareness regarding sustainable tourism development, focusing on a balance between economic, social, and environmental considerations.
It aspires to encourage tourism operators to adopt sustainable practices, which is viewed as essential for reinforcing Thailand’s tourism sector amidst fluctuating global markets and environmental challenges.
Discussions during the conference will emphasize public-private partnerships as a pathway to resilience in the tourism industry.
In addition to her lecture, PM Shinawatra plans to engage with relevant agencies to develop tourism promotion strategies aimed at securing long-term sustainable growth for the sector.
In related developments, Thanapol Cheewarattanaporn, the newly elected president of the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA), has called for increased state support for marketing initiatives and tourism development efforts to attract foreign tourists, especially in light of a slowdown in the Chinese market.
The ATTA noted a 47% year-on-year decrease in Chinese tourist arrivals thus far in 2025, with 214,213 Chinese visitors recorded between January 1 and March 25.
Mr. Cheewarattanaporn expressed that collaboration between the government and the private sector on tourism marketing has been insufficient.
While he acknowledged the government's commitment to addressing concerns related to travel safety, including a recent pledge made by Prime Minister Shinawatra to address cyber scams with Chinese authorities, he highlighted the need for more direct engagement with Chinese tour operators to restore tourism confidence.
Additionally, the new ATTA president plans a promotional roadshow to second-tier cities in China, which will involve around 100 Thai operators and 400-500 Chinese operators in May.
Meanwhile, the Tourism Authority of Thailand recently announced a domestic tourism co-payment scheme expected to be proposed to the cabinet prior to the Songkran festival.
This initiative aims to subsidize accommodation costs by 40% in major cities and 50% in second-tier cities, with a budget allocation of 3.55 billion baht to accommodate 1 million bookings.
Each participant may book up to ten nights under this program.
In parallel, LHMH, a hotel management company, is preparing to launch the Grand Centre Point Lumphini, its first luxury hotel under the Prestige Collection, on April 1, 2025. This development reflects a significant investment of 4.8 billion baht and aims to meet the luxury accommodation demand from both local and international markets.
The hotel is expected to feature 512 upscale rooms and amenities tailored to both leisure travelers and business clients.
Recent averages for LHMH's existing hotels reported occupancy rates exceeding 85% with total revenues reaching 5.575 billion baht in 2024.
The Grand Centre Point Lumphini project is strategically located in the heart of Bangkok, close to key business districts and attractions, aiming to provide a diverse range of services designed for premium travelers, including world-class dining and wellness facilities.
With the integration of meeting and event spaces, the hotel intends to further bolster Thailand's reputation as a premier destination for business and luxury tourism.
