Bangkok, Thailand, December 9, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / Sustainability is a widely discussed topic in many industries today. In tourism, which is a major source of income for many countries, sustainability is also a top priority. Only in this way can a balance be achieved between natural and man-made tourist destinations and their use. This serves to protect our planet.

Therefore, the Travel And Tourism Research Association (TTRA), a non-profit organization that has existed for more than 50 years and aims to strengthen the standards for research, analysis and marketing in the field of travel and tourism among its more than 20 members worldwide, has organized an annual seminar on "Sustainable Transformations in Tourism and Travel in the Asia-Pacific Region" in Bangkok, Thailand.

The venue changes annually to allow seminar participants to exchange knowledge, experiences, and cultures from different countries. This year, Thailand was chosen as the host city, and Dusit Thani College, a leading hotel management school run by Dusit International, was entrusted with hosting the seminar from November 30 to December 3, 2024, in the Srinakarin Hall of Dusit Thani College in Bangkok.

Dr. Atthawet Prougestaporn, Rector of Dusit Thani College, opened the seminar with the words: “Since 1987, tourism has been Thailand’s most important source of income. Back then, around 2.4 million tourists visited the country annually. According to 2023 data, approximately 2.4 million tourists travel to Thailand every month, and a total of around 35 million tourists are expected for 2024. These figures illustrate the enormous growth of the tourism sector. However, growth comes with sacrifices, particularly regarding the environment, the lifestyles of the local population, and culture. We hope that this seminar will provide a space for the practical application of research findings and a platform for the exchange of ideas within our industry.”

Dr. Aaron Tham, President of the TTRA Asia-Pacific Chapter, warmly welcomed the seminar participants to Thailand, one of the most beautiful countries in Southeast Asia, in his opening remarks. He emphasized that sustainability is an issue of great importance to every industry worldwide, and that the TTRA aims to support every organization in achieving its goals.

The global tourism industry has evolved steadily in recent years. However, economic, political, and staffing constraints, as well as rapid technological advancements, are impacting global tourism. Therefore, it is essential to analyze and evaluate the market and to explore new business models and opportunities. Competition has intensified in many destinations worldwide, particularly during the recovery phase following the COVID-19 pandemic. This situation compels all relevant stakeholders to conduct research to ensure the industry's sustainability. This is precisely what participants expect from TTRA and the Dusit Thani College, the organizers of this seminar.