Program Management Unit for Competitiveness (PMUC), together with the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) and the Thailand Science Research and Innovation (TSRI), showcased the research on “Tourism for All” to welcome visually impaired tourists from England, America, and Slovenia, accommodating them on trips to northern and southern Thailand supporting the sustainable and creative economy.
Assoc. Prof. Thongchai Suwansichon, Ph.D., Director of the Program Management Unit for Competitiveness (PMUC), and Asst. Prof. Supawadee Pothiyarach, a senior expert from the Thailand Science Research and Innovation (TSRI), and Chairperson of the Tourism and Creative Economy Subcommittee (PMUC), extended a warm welcome to 10 foreign tourists with visual impairments who came to visit Thailand’s Northern and Southern regions under the “Thailand Tourism for All” initiative, along with their caregivers, totaling 13 individuals from England, the United States, and Slovenia. They were greeted by Miss Suchada Thansap, Secretary to the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), Asst. Prof. Anupat Nongkoo, and Dr. Chatchawee Khongdee, at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Samut Prakan Province.
On this occasion, Miss Suchada stated that the participation of visually impaired foreign tourists in visiting Thailand’s Northern and Southern regions in this occasion involved collaboration with the private sector, particularly with companies like Nuttys Adventures Co., Ltd., which engaged in research alongside various university researchers aiming to develop tourism products ready to welcome high-value tourist groups, focusing on sustainable tourism. This initiative received support from organizations like MHESI, PMUC, TSRI, under the budget funding from the National Science, Research, and Innovation. The aim was to promote tourism markets geared towards high-value tourist groups from Europe, with extended stays, while emphasizing responsible tourism and environmental conservation for the greater good of the public and sustainable tourism, in line with government policy.
This activity will allow tourists to experience Thai-style tourism, starting from the journey from Bangkok to the World Heritage city of Ayutthaya, then heading north to Chiang Mai and Phayao provinces to experience the local culture and hospitality of the people in the Baan Dhog Bhua village, which is a highlight of the local area, where there are not so many foreign tourists. It is a great opportunity to get closer to the locals and visit ancient temples, take boat trips on the Phayao Lake, before traveling to the southern region to experience the culture and natural beauty of Phatthalung province, along with learning experiences about handicrafts, weaving machines, and shadow puppets, then relax on the beautiful beaches of Koh Sukorn.
Mr. Nithi Suebphongsang, the entrepreneur of Nattys Adventures Co., Ltd., pointed out that the most outstanding selling point in the Responsible Tourism market is the Thainess, with kindness and beautiful hospitality, all contributing to the soft power that enhances Thailand’s strength in hospitality industry. This time marks the third occasion of welcoming visually impaired tourists resulting from research utilization towards business matching at the World Travel Market (WTM) 2016 in London, with good support from the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). This allowed visually impaired youths to travel outside Europe for the first time under the VICTA Foundation (Visually Impaired Children Taking Action (UK)), operated by Seable Holidays UK in collaboration with Nattys Adventures Co., Ltd. Thailand. Moreover, in addition to welcoming visually impaired tourists from Europe (UK and Slovenia), American tourists have also been welcomed this year, which is expected to lead to storytelling about their experiences and impressions of visiting Thailand.
“We are committed to promoting the local economy, stimulating social development, and providing support for the conservation of culture and the environment. Examples include the Baan Dhog Bua project in Phayao province and the tourism routes for experiencing the local community and nature in Phatthalung province, which are part of the award-winning ‘Kinaree’ program or the Excellent Awards for the Thai tourism industry, with an aim to promote opportunities for tourists to enter a different world of tourism, promoting sustainability and benefits for everyone as our guiding principle throughout,” said Mr. Nithi.
The welcoming of tourists at Suvarnabhumi Airport was warm and included presentation of research outputs from the Tourism and Creative Economy Program, PMUC, such as scarves made with traditional Thai theatrical costume motifs, hand fans, neck brace, and chest plates, which received much attention from the tourists. Additionally, there was a Welcome Dinner hosted by PMUC, TSRI and MHESI, where Thai elephant pattern trousers, Thai herbal balms, and fabric bags were gifted as souvenirs for travelers to use during their journey and as mementos of this trip.
Program Management Unit for Competitiveness (PMUC), responsible for enhancing the country’s competitiveness, allocates funds for research and innovation to enhance the competitiveness of both the manufacturing and service sectors, particularly focusing on the tourism and service industries. This includes supporting collaborative plans or investments with entrepreneurs and beneficiaries to promote the country’s sustainable competitiveness. Budgets are allocated from the Science, Research, and Innovation Promotion Fund, managed by the Thailand Science Research and Innovation (TSRI), which is responsible for promoting, supporting, and driving the country’s science, research, and innovation systems in all areas, aiming for balanced and sustainable national development.
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