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.

 

 

24,986 thoughts on “Disaster Preparedness in the Thai Hospitality Industry”

  1. Thank you for another great article. Where else could anyone get that kind of information in such a perfect way of writing? I have a presentation next week, and I am on the look for such information. 財神娛樂

  2. Stylish folks inscribe, the net is quite salubrious in addition awesome, We are going to offer acquire linked to the entire world. 9anime

  4. I was reading your article and wondered if you had considered creating an ebook on this subject. Your writing would sell it fast. You have a lot of writing talent. hbo 9

  5. That is plenty of inspirational stuff. For no reason knew that opinions could be this varied. Thanks for all the enthusiasm to provide you with such helpful information here.
    dog art

  7. “For people like us, your blogs offer valuable information and insights, especially on topics like the arthur morgan blue coat. Thank you for providing such excellent content. Your detailed coverage always enhances our understanding and appreciation.”

  14. เว็บสล็อต ยูสใหม่แตกดี เล่นสล็อตยูสใหม่ แตกง่ายที่สุด การันตีทันที สมัครสมาชิกใหม่ โบนัสแตกหนัก เล่นยังไงก็แตกชัวร์ 100% พร้อมแนะนำเกมสล็อต RTP สูง สล็อตแตกดี

  19. Hey, what a dazzling post I have actually come throughout and also believed me I have actually been browsing out for this similar type of blog post for past a week and also rarely encountered this. Thanks quite and I will seek even more posts from you  에볼루션카지노

  22. HIRE A CERTIFIED CRYPTO RECOVERY EXPERT // LOST RECOVERY MASTERS ARE REPUTABLE

    Most frequently asked question by investors after losing Bitcoins to fraudsters is how possible it is to recover the digital asset. I happened to become a scam victim last summer. I became interested in Cryptocurrency trading last summer and decided to trade $425,000 worth of crypto through an online software company which promised huge returns. This all went wrong after they transferred all my funds from my coin base wallet to an unknown wallet address. I immediately had a search out on a reliable option to recover the funds back. I came across Lost Recovery Masters, a specialized group in Cryptocurrency Recovery services. I must say I have good fortune, all my lost funds have been recovered back all thanks to these experts. To any victim who has lost Crypto to fraudsters learn more on restoring back your funds Visit their website and Learn more:
    Website: (https://lostrecoverymasters.com/
    Whatsapp (+44(7537)-105921)
    Support Email (Support@lostrecoverymasters.com)

  24. I impressed, I have to say. Really not often do I encounter a blog that each educative and entertaining, and let me inform you, you’ve hit the nail on the head. Your concept is outstanding; the difficulty is one thing that not sufficient individuals are speaking intelligently about. I’m very glad that I stumbled across this in my seek for something regarding this. turistički vodič kroz nacionalni park mt aspiring

  31. Maximize energy efficiency in industrial spaces with our co-generation HVAC solutions. By integrating co-generation technologies, our systems provide dual benefits of power generation and heating/cooling. This not only reduces energy costs but also minimizes environmental impact, making your operations more sustainable and cost-effective Industrial HVAC company.

  32. Join our community where insightful articles and lively discussions bring us together! Connect with friendly, like-minded people, share your ideas, and stay in the loop with the latest trends and topics.
    24kbet login

  35. Thank you for the good writeup. It in reality was once a enjoyment account it. Look advanced to far brought agreeable from you! By the way, how can we keep in touch? Malaysia Online

  36. المياه البيضاء تعرف بعتامة عدسة العين البلورية الملونة الشفافة التي تسمح بنفاذ الضوء لحدوث الرؤية وبالتالي شكوى المريض من التشويش والضبابية والرؤية الضعيفة غير الواضحة في الليل.

    https://heshamgharieb.com/ar/%d8%af%d9%84%d9%8a%d9%84-%d8%b9%d9%85%d9%84%d9%8a%d8%a9-%d8%a7%d9%84%d9%85%d9%8a%d8%a7%d8%a9-%d8%a7%d9%84%d8%a8%d9%8a%d8%b6%d8%a7%d8%a1/

  38. Nines Consultancy offers exceptional services with a keen understanding of the industry. Their expertise and personalized approach make them a standout choice for anyone seeking top-notch consultancy. Highly recommended for their professionalism and innovative solutions! ninesconsultancy

  40. Toto dealer recruitment Korea’s No. 1 promotional community
    Professional site with no scam due to deposit.
    총판은 다양한 방법으로 회원들을 토토사이트에 유입시키는 개인 또는 단체입니다. 토토총판은 회원들이 사이트에서 베팅을 하고 손실을 입을 때, 그 손실 금액의 일정 비율을 수수료로 받습니다.
    총판의 수익은 주로 죽장(루징)과 롤링이라는 두 가지 정산 방식에 따라 다양합니다.

  41. 토뮤는 토토사이트와 메이저사이트를 포함한 먹튀검증 및 안전놀이터 정보를 제공하는 토토커뮤니티입니다. 꽁머니 혜택과 함께 신뢰할 수 있는 보증업체 및 메이저놀이터를 확인하세요. 스포츠베팅, 온라인 카지노 관련 정보도 제공합니다.

  42. 토토커뮤니티 토뮤는 먹튀검증 서비스를 통해 토토사이트의 신뢰성을 철저히 평가하며, 이용자들이 안전하게 베팅할 수 있도록 보증금 제도를 운영하고 있습니다.
    이 토토커뮤니티
    는 토토사이트가 사용자에게 재정적 손실을 입히지 않도록 면밀한 조사와 먹튀검증 과정을 거칩니다.

  43. 국내 안전 토토사이트 검증 및 예방 방법: 2024년 하반기 가이드
    토토사이트 이용 중 먹튀 피해를 입은 사용자들의 사례가 많습니다.
    먹튀 피해는 한 번 발생하면 회복이 어렵기 때문에, 먹튀검증으로 예방하는 것이 가장 중요합니다.

  48. Best Cryptocurrency Recovery Services : Visit Captain WebGenesis.

    Recovering stolen crypto assets is a complex process that requires expertise and persistence. Many victims find themselves at a loss, unsure of where to turn after falling prey to a crypto scam. This is where specialized crypto recovery Experts come into play. One notable player in the crypto recovery space is Captain WebGenesis, a leading crypto recovery service based in the United States. With a team of highly skilled professionals and a proven track record, Captain WebGenesis has established himself as the go-to solution for victims looking to restore their stolen or lost Crypto funds.

    Contact Information;
    Email Add; Captainwebgenesis @hackermail.com
    WhatsApp; +1(501)436-9362.

Leave a Reply

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