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.

 

 

28,582 thoughts on “Disaster Preparedness in the Thai Hospitality Industry”

  14. Woah! I’m really digging the template/theme of this blog. It’s simple, yet effective. A lot of times it’s challenging to get that “perfect balance” between usability and visual appeal. I must say you’ve done a great job with this. Additionally, the blog loads extremely quick for me on Firefox. Outstanding Blog! Indijos viza Lietuvos piliečiams

  28. 45678 là một nền tảng chơi game có uy tín cao, mang đến cho người chơi cơ hội tham gia các trò chơi thú vị và giành được những phần thưởng lớn. Với giao diện thân thiện với người dùng và lối chơi hấp dẫn, nó đảm bảo trải nghiệm tuyệt vời cho cả người mới bắt đầu và người chơi dày dạn kinh nghiệm. Nền tảng này nổi bật với tỷ lệ thành công cao, cho phép người chơi tối đa hóa số tiền thắng và tận hưởng hành trình chơi game bổ ích. 45678

  30. The things i have always told folks is that while looking for a good internet electronics store, there are a few issues that you have to take into consideration. First and foremost, you should really make sure to find a reputable along with reliable shop that has enjoyed great reviews and ratings from other shoppers and marketplace advisors. This will ensure you are dealing with a well-known store that gives good support and aid to their patrons. Many thanks for sharing your notions on this blog. US-Visum aus Deutschland

  31. Wow I just love her! She is so beautiful and a really good actor. I don’t think the show V is all that good, but I watch it anyway just so I can see Morena. And I don’t know if you’ve ever seen her do an interview but she is also rather funny and its all so natural for her. I personally never even heard of her before The V, now I’ll watch anything she’s on. Visa camboyana para ciudadanos colombianos

  32. I discovered your blog site on bing and check a few of your early posts. Always keep up the excellent operate. I just now additional your Feed to my MSN News Reader. Seeking toward reading much more on your part at a later time!… INDIAN MEDICAL ATTENDANT VISA

  33. MB66 mang đến trải nghiệm chơi game thú vị với nhiều trò chơi hấp dẫn và tỷ lệ thành công cao. Với giao dịch nhanh chóng và bảo mật hàng đầu, MB66 cho phép bạn đổi thưởng dễ dàng sau mỗi lần thắng. Hãy tham gia MB66 ngay để mở khóa những cơ hội mới và tận hưởng những phần thưởng hấp dẫn! MB66

  34. Vin88 là điểm đến tuyệt vời cho những người đam mê chơi game, mang đến nhiều lựa chọn trò chơi cảm giác mạnh và trải nghiệm sống động. Cho dù bạn thích các trò chơi chiến lược, phiêu lưu hay kiểu sòng bạc cổ điển, Vin88 đều có thứ gì đó dành cho tất cả mọi người. Nền tảng này được thiết kế để cung cấp một môi trường chơi game hấp dẫn và thú vị, khiến nó trở thành lựa chọn hàng đầu cho người chơi ở mọi cấp độ. Vin88

  35. Saowin không chỉ là một nền tảng chơi game; là điểm đến cho những ai muốn tỏa sáng. Với hệ thống trò chơi đa dạng và thử thách thú vị, Saowin tạo ra một không gian giải trí hấp dẫn, đầy cơ hội, nơi bạn có thể thể hiện kỹ năng của mình và giành những phần thưởng hấp dẫn. Saowin

  36. Hi Guy’s

    Fresh Database available of Fullz
    USA UK CANADA
    Bulk quantity available
    Fresh Sp@mmed & updated-2025 database
    All info is verified & guaranteed

    For Info & deals contact us here:
    ———————————

    =>@ killhacks (OR) @ leadsupplier – Tele Gr@m
    =>(+1)… 727.. 788.. 6129.. – What’s App
    =>@ peeterhacks – Skype
    =>bigbull0334 at gmail dot com – E mail

    USA Stuff:
    ==========
    SSN DOB DL Address
    SSN DOB DL Address Phone email
    Real DL|ID Front Back with Selfie & SSN
    High Credit scores Pros 700+
    Young Age fullz 2010 & above
    Old Age fullz 1960 & below
    Passport Photos with Selfie
    Fresh Sweepstakes & Payday Leads
    KYC & Tax Return Stuff
    W2 Forms with DL front Back
    Cars Database with Registration Numbers
    Work Travel Visa with SSN Photos
    CC with CVV with billing address
    Dumps with Pin Track 101 & 202
    Business EiN Pros FullZ

    #SSNFULLZ #CCFULLZ#CVVSHOP #DUMPSCVV #USAFULLZ #ssndobdl #ssnpros #fullzprosleads #usaleads
    #paydayleads #sweepstakesfullz #einpros #highcspros #usassndobdl #dlscanusa #usadlscan #dlusafullz

    UK STUFF:
    =========

    NIN DOB Address Fullz
    NIN DOB DL Address MMN Fullz
    NIN DOB Address Sort Code & account number Fullz
    UK Real DL Scan Front back with Selfie
    UK Passport Photos with Selfie
    Bulk UK Fullz
    UK young & Old age Fullz
    UK CC with CVV fullz
    High Credit Scores UK fullz Pros
    UK phone numbers & emails Leads

    #NIN #NINDOBDL #SellNIN #CCShop #CCSELLCVV #ShopNINDOBDLADDRESS #FULLZ #NINFULLZ
    #REALDLSCAN #YoungAgeFullz #Fullzseller #UKFULLZ #FULLZUK #SellerNINDOB #ShopNINDOB
    #BusinessFullzUK #UKPros #UKLeads#HighCSPRos #HighCreditFullz #UKFULLZSORTCODE #shopukpros

    CANADA STUFF:
    SIN DOB Address Fullz
    SIN DOB Address MMN Phone Email Fullz
    CANADA DL front back with Selfie
    CA Passport Photos with Selfie
    Canada Emails & Phone Numbers Leads
    Canada CC with Cvv
    CA High Credit Scores Fullz

    #SIN #SINDOBDL #SellSIN #SINMMNFULLZ #MMNPROSSIN #MMNSIN #CCShop #CCSELLCVV #ShopSINDOBDLADDRESS #FULLZ #SINFULLZ
    #REALDLSCAN #YoungAgeFullz #Fullzseller #CANADAFULLZ #FULLZCANADA #SellerSINDOB #ShopSINDOB
    #BusinessFullzCanada #CanadaPros #CanadaLeads#HighCSPRos #HighCreditFullz

    ********************************************
    @ killhacks (OR) @ leadsupplier – Tele Gr@m
    (+1)… 727.. 788.. 6129.. – What’s App
    @ peeterhacks – Skype
    bigbull0334 at gmail dot com – E mail
    ********************************************

    *Invalid & wrong info will be replaced immediately
    *No refund, Only replacement with new ones
    *Payment Always upfront in Any Crypto Currency
    *Don’t ask for CC & DL Docs Samples
    *Info samples will be provided only
    *Huge discounts on bulk quantity order for any stuff
    *Feel free to asked for anything
    *We’re Available on all time zone

    Contact us for Best Connectivity Info & Fullz
    G()()|) |_ |_|(|<

  37. OKKING mang đến trải nghiệm chơi game thú vị với nhiều trò chơi hấp dẫn, bao gồm slot và các thử thách liên quan đến thể thao. Với tỷ lệ chiến thắng cao và phần thưởng hấp dẫn, OKKING cho phép người chơi tận hưởng lối chơi cảm giác mạnh và kiếm được những giải thưởng có giá trị mỗi ngày. OKKING

  38. ABC8 mang đến cho bạn trải nghiệm chơi game cao cấp với những cơ hội thú vị và hệ thống đổi thưởng nhanh chóng. Với nhiều trò chơi đa dạng cho bạn lựa chọn, ABC8 luôn sẵn sàng giúp bạn tận hưởng những giây phút giải trí gay cấn và nhận ngay những phần thưởng khủng ngay lập tức! ABC8

  39. 789P – Vương quốc cá cược của những người chơi bản lĩnh! Với hệ thống trò chơi phong phú và tỷ lệ cược hấp dẫn, 789P mang đến trải nghiệm đỉnh cao cho những người dám bứt phá và thăng hoa qua từng cú đặt cược. 789P

  41. UK88 là nơi người chơi bước vào trung tâm giải trí hiện đại với hàng loạt trò chơi hấp dẫn, từ thể thao đến slot game. Với cơ hội chiến thắng lớn và tỷ lệ thưởng hấp dẫn, UK88 biến mỗi trò chơi bạn chơi thành một hành trình thú vị và gay cấn. UK88

  43. May88 không chỉ là một nền tảng chơi game; nó là trung tâm nơi may mắn và cơ hội đến với nhau. Với kho trò chơi phong phú hấp dẫn, người chơi có thể hòa mình vào thế giới giải trí bất tận. Cho dù bạn là một game thủ dày dạn kinh nghiệm hay một người mới chơi, May88 đều mang đến những trải nghiệm thú vị phục vụ mọi cấp độ kỹ năng. May88

  45. May88 không chỉ là một nền tảng chơi game; nó là trung tâm nơi may mắn và cơ hội đến với nhau. Với kho trò chơi phong phú hấp dẫn, người chơi có thể hòa mình vào thế giới giải trí bất tận. Cho dù bạn là một game thủ dày dạn kinh nghiệm hay một người mới chơi, May88 đều mang đến những trải nghiệm thú vị phục vụ mọi cấp độ kỹ năng. May88

Leave a Reply

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