Faced with a long-standing want for agile operations and goal-directed growth, the Federation of Thai Tourism Associations (FETTA) is set to drive transformative change in Thailand’s tourism panorama. This follows the latest realignment of seven native tourism associations which have transitioned from the Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT) to turn into part of FETTA.
According to Adith Chairattananon, a FETTA consultant with vital influence, additionally serving as honorary secretary-general of the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA), there are strategies in place to promote streamlined operations through a non-hierarchical structure at FETTA. Explaining the blueprint for future operations, Chairattananon disclosed that a core agenda would be laid out, with different segments of this agenda entrusted to proficient association leaders.
By method of illustration, the duty of ramping up the attraction of Chinese travellers will fall on ATTA, whereas the Thai Hotels Association (THA) shall be answerable for overseeing considerations related to the lodging supply chain. Chairattananon talked about that one of many challenges when FETTA’s member associations have been with TCT was the one-vote-per-association rule, regardless of the measurement of the affiliation. Consequently, small associations with as few as 10-20 operators held as a lot voting power as bigger associations boasting over a thousand members.
In mild of FETTA’s leaner construction, encompassing simply seven associations compared to TCT’s behemoth of over a hundred, the trail is obvious for a simpler workflow together with enhanced inter-member cooperation, Chairattananon advised.
Furthermore, FETTA anticipates staging the Thailand International Tourism Conference before the year is out. The Federation may also submit a tenet of proposals to the newly appointed government. Key amongst these proposals is the request for a delay in the proposed improve in the minimum wage, given the monetary pressure many Thai resorts are grappling with.
Also on the agenda is a call for lowered interest rates for tour operators.
Long-term initiatives embrace the institution of a tourism fund for operators, the granting of tax exemptions for refurbishing motels and the introduction of visa-free travel arrangements for Thai vacationers visiting Europe and the United States.
Fetta, a strong collective, consists of ATTA, THA, the Thai Travel Agents Association, the Thai Tourism Promotion Association, the Professional Tourist Guide Association of Thailand, the Thai Transportation Operators Association and the Association of Domestic Travel.
THA claims almost a thousand lodge members nationwide, accounting for around 26% of complete licenced motels in Thailand. Coupled with Snap is the occupancy capacity of 160,000 rooms across the member resorts..