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.

 

 

7,928 thoughts on “Disaster Preparedness in the Thai Hospitality Industry

  1. Wow! This could be one of the most useful blogs we have ever come across on thesubject. Actually excellent info! I’m also an expert in this topic so I can understand your effort. monoprice 110010

  2. I encountered challenges of getting a new home because of awful financial records, I entered a credit repair deal with JEFFCLOUD CREDIT SOLUTION, the extraordinary joy is that he got my credit fixed in 5days. He removed all hard inquiries, collections; bankruptcy, credit card debts and loan have been fixed. Today I have a place to call my home and my credit score boosted from 518 to 798. Reach him @JEFFCLOUDCREDITSOLUTION@GMAIL.COM/ (740) 214-6282

  3. Thank you for writing this great book. I really liked everything. And I favoriteized your blog to read the new content you posted. 카지노커뮤니티 I would like to recommend a good topic if you wrote it. I’ll leave my blog address below, so come and check it out.

  4. Hi there, just became alert to your blog through Google, and found that it’s really informative. I am going to watch out for brussels. I’ll be grateful if you continue this in future. Lots of people will be benefited from your writing. Cheers! 마마카지노

  5. Game MOD APK miễn phí cho Android tại SBMGame. Kho tải game hack Android, mod full tiền, full tính năng mới nhất 2022.
    Website: https://sbmgame.com/game-mod/
    Hastag: , #apkmod, #modapk, #modgame, #premiumapp, #android, #game, #app, #apk, #sbmgame

  6. Pretty good post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed reading your blog posts. Anyway I’ll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you post again soon. BRI 24jam

  7. Transform any stay into a relaxing getaway at Aloft Austin Northwest hotels in austin, where open spaces, open thinking and open expression thrive. We offer a prime location near several of the city’s most beloved attractions, including the Lakeline Mall, H-E-B Center at Cedar Park and the Austin Aquarium. We offer easy-breezy access to the rest of Texas’ capital city by way of the MetroRail station and the TX-45 Toll Road. Meet, mix and mingle with friends at our W XYZ® bar, grab a quick snack from Re:fuel by Aloft and play in our Re:mix lounge. Additionally, you can always stay connected with complimentary, high-speed Wi-Fi throughout our hotel. Withdraw into the comfort of our spacious rooms, where you’ll discover pillowtop mattresses, mini-refrigerators and flat-panel TVs. Host your business event or social soirée in our versatile event space. Whether traveling for business or pleasure, allow Aloft Austin Northwest to offer a modern experience that separates itself from the ordinary for a trip you won’t soon forget.

  8. PEAKERR provides Best SMM Panels Services & Cheap SMM Panel Services In The World. For Youtube Views Panel, TikTok Services Panel, Facebook Services Panel, Instagram Services Panel, And Many More, We Are Providing All Services At Cheap Rates For Reseller SMM Panels. Resell Our SMM Services And Make Money Online. We Have Many Free SMM Panel Services & Give You Some Test Funds For Check Our Services Quality. We Always Try to Provide High-Quality Services At a Cheap Rate. Check: smm panel

  9. freelancer al amin is Digital Marketing and SEO. I have tremendous involvement with Google Top Ranking, Link Building, Facebook Marketing, Lead Generation, and so on.
    From one heading it foundation, I have gotten done with a long tasks.
    Ensure you realize practically everything cautiously and impeccably.
    My organization can be advanced overall or in a designated area.
    I can arrive at a huge number of individuals.
    This is a major liability regarding me, so I’m prepared for it. I will focus completely on the undertaking.freelancer al amin

  10. freelancer al amin is Digital Marketing and SEO. I have tremendous involvement with Google Top Ranking, Link Building, Facebook Marketing, Lead Generation, and so on.
    From one heading it foundation, I have gotten done with a long tasks.
    Ensure you realize practically everything cautiously and impeccably.
    My organization can be advanced overall or in a designated area.
    I can arrive at a huge number of individuals.
    This is a major liability regarding me, so I’m prepared for it. I will focus completely on the undertaking.freelancer al amin

  11. 我们为数万华人留学生提供各类课程的网课代上,网课代考, Assignment代写、Essay代写作业代写、论文代写、各类Exam代考远程协助;金融级SSL隐私保护、精湛的质量贴心的服务成就不一样的你!企业级专席客服7*24在线咨询微信/QQ5757940. 网课托管

  12. Thanks for taking the time to discuss this, I feel strongly about it and love learning more on this topic. If possible, as you gain expertise, would you mind updating your blog with extra information? It is extremely helpful for me. judi slot

  13. Have you noticed that most credit repair agencies give promises they never intend to keep? However, in the quest to fix my credit, I came across a lot of good comments about HACK MAVENS CREDIT SPECIALIST on WALLETHUB and I decided to give it a trial. I never believed he would have my derogatory mark removed and increase my score from 437 to 798 across the three major bureaus within few days. He also helped me apply for a mortgage loan with a low interest rate. I strongly recommend you hire him.
    Call/Text/WhatsApp: +1 (209) 417 – 1957
    Email: H A C K M A V E N S 5 (AT) GMAIL DOT COM

  14. Berjenis-jenis ragam bonus dan penawaran menarik sudah ditawarkan site tersebut. Para pemain lazimnya sangat mengalami ketidakpuasan dengan apa yang dimiliki oleh para Daftar Situs Judi Slot, sehingga berharap untuk mendapatkan info lebih lanjut seputar peralatan atau games yang ada diantaranya.

  15. Klaim Bonus Bonus TurnOver Slot
    Walaupun anda tahu sekiranya bonus turn over agen18 biasanya dibagikan secara otomatis oleh pihak agen, anda tidak boleh demikian saja seketika yakin.
    Kamu mesti menjalankan konfirmasi kembali terhadap pihak agen anda, dimana bonus turnover slot ini hendak dibagikan tiap minggunya terhadap semua pemain yang klaim bonus.
    Nah sekiranya anda klaim
    Bonus Turn over slot online, tapi belum sempat mendapat bonus turnover slot, hingga anda mesti mengenali cara buat mendapatkannya.

  16. Saat ini Daftar Bursa777 slot pragmatic play sudah diakui sebagai slot kelas atas yang paling banyak dimainkan oleh semua penjudi dunia. Provider ternama ini menyediakan ratusan permainan didalamnya dengan tingkat kemenangan tinggi. Setiap bulan selalu saja ada slot pragmatic baru yang bisa dimainkan. Berikut ini daftar judi slot gacor dari pragmatic play yakni, Bonanza Gold, Nexus Sweet Bonanza, Joker\’s Jewels, Aztec Gems, Great Rhino Megaways.

  17. Rafigaming Real Time Gaming atau biasa diketahui dengan RTG slots yakni provider judi yang berada di Isle of Man. Dihasilkan pada tahun 1998 sampai dikala ini sudah mempunyai lebih dari 100++ jenis permainan canggih. Fokus utama slot ini berlokasi pada permainan kreatif sehingga memberikan pengalaman luar umum bagi semua pemain judi slot online.

  18. Di mana permainan judi Slot Auroratoto online bukanlah permainan yang asing bagi orang Indonesia sebab ada sejumlah situs judi online yang beroperasi di Indonesia di mana mereka menyediakan slot online, kasino, poker, dan permainan judi lainnya terhadap orang-orang.

  19. Game Auroratoto mempunyai gameplay gulungan merah dan emas yang mewah dengan langit biru yang bercahaya di latar belakangnya serta di penuhi oleh koin emas. Ada lebih dari 5 gulungan dan 3 baris, anda memiliki simbol yang benar-benar menarik, kalau terdapat ace sampai 10 mencakup mutiara dibayar rendah, sedangkan mutiara kuning, putih dan hijau akan mendapatkan bayaran tinggi. Judi slot ini betul-betul mudah dimengerti dan dimainkan malahan untuk pemain pemula sekalipun.

  20. Jika Anda mencari kasino online yang menawarkan slot online, Anda sudah datang ke daerah yang tepat. Topbandar adalah Situs IDN Sport terpercaya yang menawarkan permainan slot online dengan hukum permainan yang adil. Kasino juga menawarkan berjenis-jenis permainan kasino, termasuk blackjack, roulette, dan bakarat.

  21. Tentu jika anda bermain di agen judi Slot Gacor Spadegaming yang tak legal, anda pasti akan menyesal mulai dari sulitnya melaksanakan penarikan kemenangan, susah mengakses permainan, dan banyak kekurangan dari bermain di agen yang tak resmi. Kecuali itu website agen judi slot pragmatic dan slot88 ini juga mempunyai banyak kelebihan dan keunggulan lainnya diperbandingkan dengan laman lain.

  22. Balaksix adalah kasino yang menawarkan berbagai permainan kasino dan game slot online. Selain permainan slot, ia juga menawarkan permainan poker dan permainan kasino langsung. Untuk menjadi anggota, pengguna harus mendaftar di situs web. Setelah menyelesaikan proses pendaftaran, pengguna harus memberikan data yang valid dan menyetor sejumlah uang. Hanya vendor yang memiliki lisensi yang dapat bergabung dengan situs ini.

  23. Memiliki agen penyedia slot online dapat membantu Anda mendapatkan hasil maksimal dari slot online Anda. Agen Wiropoker memberi Anda pilihan permainan yang luas dan berbagai fasilitas bermain yang meningkatkan kualitas permainan Anda dan menghindari kesulitan. Agen-agen ini tersedia sepanjang waktu untuk membantu Anda dengan cara apa pun yang mereka bisa.

  24. Anda dapat mengerjakan pelaksanaan transaksi withdraw atau deposit di Topbandar dengan mengaplikasikan bank lokal seperti BNI, BCA, BRI dan Mandiri. Anda juga dapat melaksanakan pembayaran lewat pulsa. Tak cuma disitu anda juga dapat bertransaksi mengaplikasikan aplikasi e-wallet.

  25. Anda dapat mengerjakan pelaksanaan transaksi withdraw atau deposit di Topbandar dengan mengaplikasikan bank lokal seperti BNI, BCA, BRI dan Mandiri. Anda juga dapat melaksanakan pembayaran lewat pulsa. Tak cuma disitu anda juga dapat bertransaksi mengaplikasikan aplikasi e-wallet.

  26. Satu keunggulan lain yang tak ada pada laman judi Situs Balaksix online umum ialah alternatif variasi permainan komplit yang memberikan pemain keleluasaan memilih variasi taruhan, hal ini juga menjadi pedoman mutu serta kapasitas laman judi situs online.

  27. Mengembangkan permainan slot itu kompleks dan membutuhkan banyak pekerjaan. Sangat penting untuk mempunyai konsep permainan yang kuat yang akan melibatkan pengguna. Selain itu, developer Sinar88 Slot wajib mencontoh panduan dan kreatif dalam menetapkan game hal yang demikian menghibur dan menyenangkan untuk dimainkan.

  28. Penipuan adalah masalah besar bagi bisnis, dan penting untuk menyadarinya dan menghindarinya. Banyak dari penipuan ini didasarkan pada teknik penjualan yang menyesatkan. Ada banyak jenis penipuan, tetapi ada beberapa yang umum yang perlu diperhatikan. Penipuan biasanya akan mengasosiasikan diri mereka dengan organisasi atau individu terkemuka, dan sering menyebut diri mereka memiliki undang-undang baru, dukungan selebriti, atau asosiasi perdagangan.pilih lah bo yang resmi seperti Bursa777.

Leave a Reply

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