On October 30, 2024, Mr. Songklod Sawangwong, the Governor of Trang Province, presided over the opening ceremony of the “Trang 360° Challenge Every Discovery” event. This activity is part of the initiative From Crisis to Adaptation: High-Quality Marine Tourism Development in the Gulf of Thailand-Andaman through the Development of a Learning Ecosystem, Modern Management, Technology, and Innovation, which aims to promote engagement in tourism standards and strengthen the supply chain. Asst. Prof. Sittichoke Janyong, Vice President of Trang Campus, delivered the opening remarks at the Thanarom 2 meeting room, Thumrin Thana Hotel, Trang. The event seeks to provide participants with tourism development guidelines, broaden perspectives, and promote sustainable development to enhance Trang’s tourism capabilities. Ultimately, it aims to boost competitiveness, contributing to economic growth in Trang, the southern region, and Thailand, with an emphasis on quality and sustainability.
Asst. Prof. Sittichoke emphasized that tourism is more integral to daily life than is commonly realized. The tourism industry is a vital sector that generates significant revenue for Thailand and plays an essential role in the country’s economic development. It directly contributes to economic growth, improves citizens’ livelihoods, increases employment, and fosters investment and income. Developing the tourism industry in Trang, in alignment with timely changes, requires inclusive planning from all sectors and aims to deliver quality experiences for visitors, supporting steady future income growth. As the organizer of this event, College of Hospitality and Tourism (CHT) aligns with Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya’s (RMUTSV) mission, not only for the present but also for a sustainable future, encompassing economic, social, cultural, and environmental dimensions, to create opportunities for quality, sustainable growth in Trang’s tourism industry.
This project originated from Dr. Panumas Suybangdum, Vice President of RMUTSV, who encouraged Asst. Prof. Fapilai Taweesinsopa, Director of CHT, to integrate collaboration with tourism partners to foster diverse perspectives and sustainable tourism development in Trang. With 150 participants, the activities were structured into three segments:
Panel Discussion: “Trang, the Emerald of the Andaman Sea, from the Perspective of Trang Tourism Leaders,” featuring presidents or representatives from various tourism associations, including the Trang Tourism Association, Trang Tourism and Hotel Association, Tourism Association of Haad Pak Meng, Kantang Tourism Association, Tourism Council of Trang, and Koh Libong Tourism Association.
Keynote Speech: “Tourism Development and Creative Economy Directions to Enhance the Competitiveness of the Southern Region” by Prof. Dr. Therdchai Choibamroong, Program Director of the Doctor of Philosophy in Tourism Management, Graduate School of Tourism Management (GSTM), National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA).
Forum: ” Defining Direction for Tourism Awareness and Understanding of of Sustainable Resource-Based Tourism Development” with discussions in four forums:
- Forum 1: Community-Based Tourism Development,
- Forum 2: Unique Tourism Markets (mountains, forests, fields, beaches, and cities),
- Forum 3: Organizing Captivating Events, and
- Forum 4: Unlocking Trang’s Tourism Areas.
With guidance from more than 20 tourism experts, these forums synthesized strategies for collaborative tourism development to create unique and differentiated experiences for tourists visiting Trang, the “Emerald of the Andaman.” This strategy emphasizes promoting balanced development in Trang, centered on the three pillars of sustainability: society, economy, and environment.
Source: NBT CONNEXT
Compiled by: Ms. Piyanart Akkhakraisi
Photos by: Ms. Kanjan Chumdee
Translation by: Ms. Pityada Jeokwon
