Bangkok--24 Oct--Syllable
The Department of Tourism has organised a meeting to promote an awareness of the Global Code of Tourism Ethics, with the objectives of upgrading the Thai tourism standards to prepare for the expansion of the upcoming opening of the ASEAN Economic Community in 2015.
The meeting, titled "The Global Code of Tourism Ethics for the Development of Thailand's Tourism for the Opening of AEC" was held at Kamolthip Ballroom, Sukosol Hotel on Sri Ayudhya road, Bangkok, on October 15, 2013, presiding over the meeting was Mr Pasit Poomchusri, Deputy Director General of Department of Tourism.
The meeting was attended by about 250 participants from the Department of Tourism, the Professional Tourist Guide Association of Thailand, representatives from tourism-related businesses, and from both government and private agencies related to Thailand's tourism industry.
Mr Pasit said at the meeting's opening session that "Tourism is among the most important industry of the country. The tourism industry does not provide notionly on employment, but also promote strong growth of Thailand's tourism sector, as compared to other important industries in the country."
The United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UN-WTO), the Deputy Director General said that Thailand enjoyed a successful increase of 16% in the number of tourist arrival, and a sharp rise of 27% in revenue in 2011. While the growth trend has proven in the benefits of foreign exchange earning, employment, among others, it has the side effect of the risks of damages to the country's natural resources, environment, and the lifestyles of the local community.
Mr Pasit said that the government has put their emphasis on the improvement of the country's tourism management to upgrade the quality of the goods and services offered within the country to ensure utmost satisfaction among tourists, both from inside Thailand and abroad.
The Global Code of Tourism Ethics comprise the so-called 'Ten Commandments' of the world tourism code of conduct, with the objectives to reduce the negative effect on environment, cultural heritage, consumer rights, social responsibility, and human dignity, which are in accordance with the United Nations Millennium Development Goals.
The Department of Tourism, Mr Pasit said, has produced the Thai version of the Global Code of Ethics for distribution to the government and private agencies, educational institutions, and parties related to Thailand's tourism industry to promote awareness of the code.
As for the Department of Tourism's preparation for the upcoming opening of the AEC in 2015, Mr Pasit noted that the department would promote its policies on the realisation of safe and fair tourism. It will encourage the tourism-related businesses to improve the quality of goods, services, and the skills of their workforce.