by

Disaster Preparedness in the Thai Hospitality Industry

On behalf of Anika Malhotra:

Disaster Preparedness in the Thai Hospitality Industry

One of the deadliest natural disasters in recorded history, the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami, resulted in the deaths of over 230,000 people in fourteen countries and provoked worldwide humanitarian efforts which led to the donation of over USD$14B in aid. Of these fourteen countries, Thailand was one of those that were hardest hit with an estimated 8,212 death toll.

The two industries that were greatly impacted by this disaster were the fishing and tourism industries. The destruction of industrial infrastructure in coastal areas within the fishing industry had substantial impacts both on regional and national scales, affecting employment in coastal regions and foreign exchange earnings on a national level.

 

With these direct effects of the tsunami, came indirect effects within the hospitality industry. As investigations into the disaster continued, there was speculation that many of the resort hotels directly hit by the tsunami did not alert guests in a timely fashion and that staff were not well equipped to handle such situations. Moreover, regardless of whether tourist’s travel destinations were affected or not, there was a psychological concern and fear for their safety while traveling in areas of this part of the world. The hospitality industry was then hit with numerous cancellations as a result.

 

Tourist’s concerns and trip cancellations created a negative image of the hospitality industry for their lack of disaster preparedness. As the industry began to fear that this negative impact might be long lasting, many hospitality companies joined forces with humanitarian organizations to develop stronger disaster preparedness, recovery, and risk mitigating skills.

 

Addressing issues of crisis management and providing hospitality employees with the necessary skills involved gives these companies a competitive advantage. The first step in these efforts is focused on pre-crisis communication. The thought here is that communicating more effectively and implementing solutions for these situations will help rebuild trust and credibility from the public’s perspective.

 

Rather than a focus on maximizing profits for shareholders, there has been an increased focus on corporate social responsibility (CSR) within the hospitality industry. Although brand reputation and financial factors still play a major role in the decision making process for tourists and potential employees, they are looking more for companies who contribute to more wide-ranging societal goals. These CSR contributions are often in the form of cash donations, work force initiatives, partnerships with NGO’s, and by providing shelter and evacuation. The top 3 hotel companies in the industry that are most contributing to this reform are Hilton, Marriott, and Accor.

 

The Ministry of Public Health in Thailand, The International Federation of Red Cross and Societies, and other NGO’s, as well as those in the Thai private sector formed partnerships with these hospitality companies to train employees and provide assistance and funding in these efforts to rebuild the economy in Thailand. The Tsunami Victim Relief Center was also founded days after the tsunami to help in mobilization efforts. The Royal Thai Government (RTG) has also been greatly praised for their role in providing support to the affected communities. The United Nations Country Team along with bilateral development agencies worked with the RTG to address issues and challenges in the rebuilding effort.

 

The efforts of these organizations in collaboration with hotel companies and educational efforts proved to help tremendously towards rebuilding the hospitality industry in Thailand. Below can be found the Tourism and Earnings Growth in Thailand chart as of one year after the tsunami (2005):

The above chart proves that not even fully into 2005, in Q2, there was shown a significant positive change in the percentage of tourism earnings in one year from

-6.2 to +4.4 in growth.

 

The monsoon season in Thailand in 2011 was a period in which was demonstrated how far humanitarian aid efforts and disaster preparedness have improved since the tsunami disaster in 2004. As a result of the storms during this time, flooding began to spread throughout the Northern, Northeastern, and Central areas of Thailand. These floods resulted in the deaths of 815 people, with a total of 13.6 million people having been affected by the same. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) projected a combined loss of USD$825M as a result of reduced international and national tourism, with people having cancelled their trips to the region.

 

Hotels in and around the affected areas in Thailand began to take measures to ensure the safety of their guests, and help with the relief efforts of the surrounding community. The Mandarin Oriental in Bangkok organized a thorough workshop for more than 1,000 of its staff members to drill them in how to manage the flood situation. The Shangri-La Hotel also took precautionary measures during this time by placing sandbags outside of the property in an effort to prevent water from flowing into the property and by storing enough food and medical supplies for their guests and staff to last three days in the case of an emergency situation.

More major hotel companies are doing their part to help with disaster relief in other ways:

 

a)    Marriott International converts points donated by guests into cash for contribution to the IFRC Disaster Relief Emergency Fund.

b)    Hyatt has developed a volunteer outreach program, Hyatt F.O.R.C.E- allowing for employees to provide local and worldwide support on company paid time.

c)     Hilton Honors has implemented a charity titled “Blanket them With Love” to help with the after effects of the 2011 floods in Thailand. “The project will provide 1) immediate relief to victims by giving emergency life packs (includes food and other daily necessities) to evacuees, 2) 700 financially needy families affected by the coming 4 months of cold weather with blankets, so that the most vulnerable targets like young children and elderly will be protected from diseases associated with the cold climate. 3) Help to at least 10 affected homes with repairs after the floods, so that the family go back to safe shelters.”

d)    AirAsiaGo had absorbed the cost of credit card transaction fees on their website for one month from October-November 2011. In addition to this, they worked with local hotels in Bangkok to provide discounts to travelers.

e)    As part of their CSR initiative, Hilton Pattaya donated 100,000 baht to the Rotary Club of Taksin Pattaya to help with relief and rehabilitation projects for the aid of those affected by the floods in Thailand.

In order to help with the rebuilding efforts after the floods, the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) has implemented a communication center that will keep event organizers updated as to the status of their future events, one such event being the annual Royal Flora Expo.

 

It is made evident to us that the efforts made for disaster preparedness by the hospitality industry in Thailand and throughout the world will help in reducing financial and emotional burdens of many of those affected by such natural disasters as the 2004 tsunami and 2011 floods. Whether it is by partnering with NGO’s or companies within the private sector to help provide employees and their families the skills needed to help mitigate the outcome of such disasters, by providing direct financial support, by sending its employees on volunteer efforts within the community or worldwide, or by providing food and shelter to those affected, the hospitality industry in Thailand is helping to rebuild security and lessen the fears of travelers worldwide.

 

 

7,902 thoughts on “Disaster Preparedness in the Thai Hospitality Industry”

  1. You’ll be able use all sorts of advised attractions with various car treatments. A quantity of sell traditional tools numerous demand families for almost any event for any investment district, or even for a holiday in new york. slot gacor

  3. MUST READ FOR ALL CRYPTO SCAM VICTIMS AND EVERYONE BATTLING WITH A CHEATING PARTNER

    REMOTESPYTECH (@) GMAIL, COM is the best tech expert you need to help you recover your stolen, lost or missing Bitcoin, USDT, NFT and other digital assets. This team can also help you remotely track and monitor your suspected cheating partner

    Perhaps I didn’t perform my task nicely , I didn’t analysis sufficient to know that scams exist in crypto trading and investments I used to be solely thrilling however the mouth watering affords they put ahead to me , I invested virtually all my financial savings , time to withdraw and it’s at all times asking to pay more cash even on their web site , later came upon it was utterly faux they usually’ve duped lots of people . I used to be damaged and I used to be devastated on the look at which my cash disappeared , identical to a spell on me . OMG I used to be down and virtually loosing focus at work . Katie is a buddy from work , known as me she noticed a assessment of somebody on restoration agent , I didn’t consider something trigger I learn on-line it can’t be recovered as soon as transferred . It’s the opposite means spherical although , this genius recovers Bitcoin ( REMOTESPYTECH at Gmail,COm ) attain out by way of gmail and my unhappy story turned a joyful story . Please recommendation on the place to speculate and by which coin the way forward for funding yields higher revenue , I nonetheless love cryptocurrency however I’m rattling scared I don’t need to be scammed once more . Be happy to share your information with me guys , I’ll be studying from y’all thanks .
    Send your complaint to [ REMOTESPYTECH (@) GMAILCOM for any crypto tech issues, recovery of your lost funds and stolen crypto/ digital assets.
    This team offers other services such as

    Spying and monitoring a suspected cheating partner
    Phone cloning
    Clearing of criminal records
    Fixes bad debts
    Upgrade of credit scores and lot more

    Email: REMOTESPYTECH (@) GMAIL, COM

    WhatsApp: +56 9 3129 3092

    Regards

    Reliable Service

  5. Many in India and Pakistan believe that her charming story has given hope to the region where the politics of hate and the othering of communities have dominated the narrative for so long. 실시간 카지노

  6. With the whole thing that appears to be developing throughout this subject matter, your perspectives are very refreshing. However, I appologize, but I can not give credence to your whole plan, all be it exhilarating none the less. It would seem to everyone that your comments are actually not totally justified and in actuality you are generally yourself not even fully convinced of your point. In any event I did take pleasure in reading it. Prediksi Togel

  7. Hi, you used to write excellent articles, but the last several posts have been kinda lackluster… I miss your super writing. Past few posts are just a little out of track! Prediksi Togel

  8. GET RICH WITH BLANK ATM CARD … Whatsapp: +18033921735

    I want to testify about Dark Web blank atm cards which can withdraw money from any atm machines around the world. I was very poor before and have no job. I saw so many testimony about how Dark Web Cyber hackers send them the atm blank card and use it to collect money in any atm machine and become rich.(DWCHZONE@GMAIL.COM) I email them also and they sent me the blank atm card. I have use it to get 250,000 dollars. withdraw the maximum of 5,000 USD daily. Dark Web is giving out the card just to help the poor. Hack and take money directly from any atm machine vault with the use of atm programmed card which runs in automatic mode.

    You can also contact them for the service below

    * Western Union/MoneyGram Transfer

    * Bank Transfer

    * PayPal / Skrill Transfer

    * Crypto Mining

    * CashApp Transfer

    Email::::dwchzone@gmail.com

    Text & Call or WhatsApp: +18033921735

    WEBSITE: darkwebcycberhackers.com

  9. I’ve been looking for photos and articles on this topic over the past few days due to a school assignment, safetoto and I’m really happy to find a post with the material I was looking for! I bookmark and will come often! Thanks 😀

  14. So informative things are provided here,I really happy to read this post,I was just imagine about it and you provided me the correct information I really bookmark it,for further . slot gopay

  22. Thank you for sharing this valuable knowledge. I’ve been struggling to come up with many questions on this subject. I’ll stand by your side! wordle game

  29. Quick loan It’s as easy as that! Are you in need of Urgent Loan Here no collateral required all problem regarding Loan is solve between a short period of time with a low interest rate of 2% We Are Here To Show You A Better Way To Financial Freedom please contact email id :(Whats App) number:+917310847059please contact email id : sumitihomelend@gmail.com
    Mr. Sumiti

  30. I came to this site with the introduction of a friend around me and I was very impressed when I found your writing. I’ll come back often after bookmarking! keo nha cai

  31. Shadi.com- Best Online Matrimonial site for singles in the USA. Meet educated single men and women near your city. Join today register for free
    Shaadi

  32. I think this is among the most significant info for me. And i am glad reading your article. But want to remark on few general things, The web site style is great, the articles is really excellent : D. Good job, cheers judi casino

  36. Situs Judi Bola Online Terpercaya Dan Agen Judi Bola Resmi Indonesia
    Liga365 merupakan situs judi online yang menyediakan permainan judi bola, bandar bola online, agen taruhan bola, judi slot online terlengkap dan resmi di indonesia.

    Judi Bola

  39. Oh my goodness! an incredible article dude. Thanks Nonetheless I’m experiencing difficulty with ur rss . Don’t know why Unable to subscribe to it. Is there anyone getting an identical rss problem? Anybody who knows kindly respond. Thnkx football livescore

  40. ashik Search Prescott, https://www.westusaofprescott.com/property listings and find your dream house for sale in prescott, AZ at the best prices. Find cheap homes, lands, and condos for sale, in Prescott Valley, Chino Valley, Clarkdale, Cordes Lakes, Cornville, Cottonwood, Dewey, Phoenix Arizona & more. Visit Today. We strive every day to be the leader in real estate services and support our communities. Our local town values are infused into everything we do to ensure that clients receive the best possible outcome.

  41. Search Prescott, arizona real estateproperty listings and find your dream house for sale in Prescott, AZ at the best prices. Find cheap homes, lands, and condos for sale, in Prescott Valley, Chino Valley, Clarkdale, Cordes Lakes, Cornville, Cottonwood, Dewey, Phoenix Arizona & more. Visit Today. We strive every day to be the leader in real estate services and support our communities. Our local town values are infused into everything we do to ensure that clients receive the best possible outcome.

  42. sefat khan Search Prescott, arizona real estate
    property listings and find your dream house for sale in prescott, AZ at the best prices. Find cheap homes, lands, and condos for sale, in Prescott Valley, Chino Valley, Clarkdale, Cordes Lakes, Cornville, Cottonwood, Dewey, Phoenix Arizona & more. Visit Today. We strive every day to be the leader in real estate services and support our communities. Our local town values are infused into everything we do to ensure that clients receive the best possible outcome.

  43. TAREK JAMIL, Search Prescott, arizona real estate property listings and find your dream house for sale in prescott, AZ at the best prices. Find cheap homes, lands, and condos for sale, in Prescott Valley, Chino Valley, Clarkdale, Cordes Lakes, Cornville, Cottonwood, Dewey, Phoenix Arizona & more. Visit Today. We strive every day to be the leader in real estate services and support our communities. Our local town values are infused into everything we do to ensure that clients receive the best possible outcome.

    https://www.westusaofprescott.com/

  44. Search Prescott, arizona real estate
    property listings and find your dream house for sale in prescott, AZ at the best prices. Find cheap homes, lands, and condos for sale, in Prescott Valley, Chino Valley, Clarkdale, Cordes Lakes, Cornville, Cottonwood, Dewey, Phoenix Arizona & more. Visit Today. We strive every day to be the leader in real estate services and support our communities. Our local town values are infused into everything we do to ensure that clients receive the best possible outcome.

  45. TAREK JAMIL, Search Prescott, arizona real estate property listings and find your dream house for sale in prescott, AZ at the best prices. Find cheap homes, communities. Our local town values are infused into everything we do to ensure that clients receive the best possible outcome.

    https://www.westusaofprescott.com/

  46. Seaum ibna mostafiz search Prescott, arizona real estate789 property listings and find your dream house for sale in prescott807, AZ at the best prices. Find cheap homes, lands, and condos for sale, in Prescott Valley, Chino Valley, Clarkdale, Cordes Lakes, Cornville, Cottonwood, Dewey, Phoenix Arizona & more. Visit Today. We strive every day to be the leader in real estate services and support our communities.Our local town values are infused into everything we do to ensure that clients receive the best possible outcome.

  47. TAREK JAMIL, Search Prescott, arizona real estate property listings and find your dream house for sale in prescott, AZ at the best prices. Find cheap homes, communities. Our local town values are infused into everything we do to ensure that clients receive the best possible outcome.

  48. Search Prescott, arizona real estate property listings and find your dream house for sale in Prescott, AZ at the best prices. Find cheap homes, lands, and condos for sale, in Prescott Valley, Chino Valley, Clarkdale, Cordes Lakes, Cornville, Cottonwood, Dewey, Phoenix Arizona & more. Visit Today. We strive every day to be the leader in real estate services and support our communities. Our local town values are infused into everything we do to ensure that clients receive the best possible outcome.

  49. Shealy Search Prescott, arizona real estate property listings and find your dream house for sale in Prescott, AZ at the best prices. Find cheap homes, lands, and condos for sale, in Prescott Valley, Chino Valley, Clarkdale, Cordes Lakes, Cornville, Cottonwood, Dewey, Phoenix Arizona & more. Visit Today. We strive every day to be the leader in real estate services and support our communities. Our local town values are infused into everything we do to ensure that clients receive the best possible outcome.

  50. There couple of intriguing points in time in this post but I do not know if I see these people center to heart. There is some validity but I most certainly will take hold opinion until I investigate it further. Great post , thanks and we want more! Included in FeedBurner likewise https://www.rtpjbo680.com/

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *