Last night, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Oceania, led by Director Mr. Pichaya Saisaengchan, hosted an exclusive Sustainable Tourism Showcase at the W Sydney. The event highlighted Thailand’s commitment to eco-conscious travel and innovative conservation initiatives.
The showcase featured a dynamic program, bringing together experts and leaders from Thailand’s tourism and hospitality sectors to discuss the future of sustainable travel in one of the world’s most cherished destinations.
The evening started with cocktails, canapés, and networking, setting the stage for an engaging program. Richard Taylor, Director of Membership & Industry Affairs at the Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA), welcomed attendees and introduced Mrs. Hataya Khusakul, Consul-General of Thailand, who delivered an opening address.
One of the evening’s highlights was a one-on-one discussion with John Roberts, Director of Elephants & Conservation at the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation and Group Director of Sustainability & Conservation at Minor Hotels.
John Roberts shared insights from his two decades of work with elephants in Thailand, alongside other key conservation projects that have shaped the region’s approach to sustainable tourism.
Panel Discussion on Leading Sustainability Initiatives
The event continued with a panel of distinguished speakers from Thailand’s tourism and hospitality industry, each presenting their efforts to foster sustainability:
- Trevor May, Cluster General Manager, Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach.
- Graeme Lunn, Director of Sales & Marketing, Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort.
- Phornphan Kitsupee, Group Director of Sales, RAKxa Integrative Wellness.
- Sherly Handjojo, Marketing Manager, Tourism Authority of Thailand.
These experts shared their innovative conservation programs and sustainable tourism initiatives, offering valuable insights into how Thailand’s travel industry is adapting to the challenges of modern tourism while preserving its natural and cultural heritage.
The showcase concluded with a Q&A session, allowing attendees to delve deeper into the topics discussed and prizes for a couple of lucky attendees.
