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.

 

 

25,476 thoughts on “Disaster Preparedness in the Thai Hospitality Industry”

  1. Travel Charger by Shenzhen Wecent delivers safe and efficient charging for devices worldwide. With cutting-edge technology and adherence to international standards like UL, CE, FCC, CCC, and RoHS, these chargers guarantee reliability and convenience, making them ideal for frequent travelers seeking performance, portability, and compliance in every charging solution.

  3. Many people gamble for excitement, but few understand the psychological rush behind it. The dopamine hit from winning can be addictive, making self-control vital. Responsible means enjoying the moment without letting it dominate your life. Always gamble with money you can afford to lose and stay in control. toto slot

  4. Wow, amazing blog layout! How long have you been blogging for?
    you make blogging look easy. The overall look of your web site is fantastic, let alone the content!

  6. The 1xBet promo code 1XBAT777 is your golden ticket in 2026! Use it to score a 130% sports bonus up to €130 (or your local currency) on your first deposit. If slots and table games are more your vibe, this code unlocks a whopping €1950 bonus plus 150 free spins. Seriously, this is one of the best deals out there for new players who want more cash to play with! 1xbet promo code india

  7. https://placastemporalesdmv.org

    En placastemporalesdmv.org puedes tramitar y sacar de manera online placas temporales de dealer registradas por dmv, de manera sencilla comunicándote con nuestros asesores por medio de nuestro chat interactivo o por medio del formulario web, así como también puedes sacar seguros de auto, títulos de auto, licencias de conducir-

  11. I should insist seldom of which it is amazing! The blog is usually info likewise generally fabricate wonderful entitys.

  12. Explore CalculatorCave, your go-to destination for smart and simple online calculators. Whether you’re managing finances or tracking fitness goals, it delivers accurate outputs to support your everyday calculations.

  13. Experience stress-free travel with Frontline Limo’s bwi airport transportation. We offer luxury vehicles, professional chauffeurs, and punctual service to ensure a smooth journey to or from the airport. Enjoy comfort, safety, and reliability every time you ride with us.

    #BWIAirportTransportation #FrontlineLimo #LuxuryTravel #AirportTransfers #MarylandLimo

  14. https://placastemporalesdmv.org

    En placastemporalesdmv.org puedes tramitar y sacar de manera online placas temporales de dealer registradas por dmv, de manera sencilla comunicándote con nuestros asesores por medio de nuestro chat interactivo o por medio del formulario web, así como también puedes sacar seguros de auto, títulos de auto, licencias de conducir-

  15. I used to be recommended this website via my cousin.
    I’m no longer sure whether this post is written by
    him as no one else know such specified about
    my difficulty. You’re incredible! Thank you!

    Feel free to visit my web site: Main profile

  16. https://placastemporalesdmv.org

    En placastemporalesdmv.org puedes tramitar y sacar de manera online placas temporales de dealer registradas por dmv, de manera sencilla comunicándote con nuestros asesores por medio de nuestro chat interactivo o por medio del formulario web, así como también puedes sacar seguros de auto, títulos de auto, licencias de conducir-

  18. Elevate Your Text: A World of cool symbols at Your Fingertips
    Step beyond ordinary letters and numbers! A universe of unique symbols is waiting to transform your digital text, and the best part is—they’re completely free and easy to use. Imagine personalizing your social media bios with sleek arrows (➳, ↠), adorning your profile name with delicate stars (✶, ✼), or making your messages pop with powerful icons (⚡, ♚). The process could not be simpler: explore dedicated symbol websites, find the perfect glyph that matches your vibe, and instantly copy and paste it wherever you want. This is the easiest way to add a layer of creativity and stand out from the crowd, turning your everyday text into a statement of personal style.

  19. 의정부출장마사지 – 의정부 전역에 24시간 여성 전문 마사지사가 찾아가는 출장 홈타이 서비스! 아로마, 스포츠, 커플 마사지로 피로와 스트레스를 합리적 가격에 풀어 의정부출장마사지

  21. https://anime-extremo.net/

    Anime Extremo es una comunidad online dedicada a los verdaderos fanáticos del anime, el manga, los videojuegos y la cultura japonesa. Ofrecemos un espacio único con chat anime en vivo, donde puedes interactuar con otros otakus, compartir opiniones, recomendaciones y hacer nuevos amigos con tus mismos intereses. Nuestra radio anime transmite música japonesa, openings, endings y soundtracks las 24 horas. También contamos con noticias actualizadas de anime, reseñas, novedades de manga y cobertura de eventos especiales del mundo otaku. Explora nuestros foros, participa en encuestas, debates, y accede a contenido exclusivo. En Anime Extremo, vivir el anime va más allá de solo verlo: es una experiencia completa. ¡Únete y disfruta lo mejor del anime y la cultura otaku!-

  22. The Pushpa Club Login portal is your secure gateway to an exciting and engaging online gaming experience. Designed for both new and regular players, it allows users to access their accounts quickly, check updates, view results, and enjoy various entertainment options offered by the platform.

  24. Ich bin absolut begeistert von meinem Ergebnis nach der Dr. Nikolaus Raab Body Contouring-Behandlung – meine Silhouette wirkt so viel harmonischer und definierter. body contouring

  25. Enjoy elegant and reliable travel with Annapolis limo service, offering luxury vehicles, expert chauffeurs, and on-time transportation for weddings, events, and airport transfers. Visit AnnapolisLimoMD.com
    .

  27. The ultimate soundcloud downloader lets you grab your favorite tracks in MP3 format quickly and effortlessly. Enjoy crystal-clear audio quality, unlimited downloads, and a simple one-click conversion process.

  29. https://anime-extremo.net/

    Anime Extremo es una comunidad online dedicada a los verdaderos fanáticos del anime, el manga, los videojuegos y la cultura japonesa. Ofrecemos un espacio único con chat anime en vivo, donde puedes interactuar con otros otakus, compartir opiniones, recomendaciones y hacer nuevos amigos con tus mismos intereses. Nuestra radio anime transmite música japonesa, openings, endings y soundtracks las 24 horas. También contamos con noticias actualizadas de anime, reseñas, novedades de manga y cobertura de eventos especiales del mundo otaku. Explora nuestros foros, participa en encuestas, debates, y accede a contenido exclusivo. En Anime Extremo, vivir el anime va más allá de solo verlo: es una experiencia completa. ¡Únete y disfruta lo mejor del anime y la cultura otaku!-

  30. Pushpa Club Game is an engaging online gaming platform inspired by the spirit of thrill, entertainment, and rewards. Designed for players who love strategy, fun, and competition, Pushpa Club offers a seamless experience with a wide range of exciting games that test your skills and luck.

  31. 의정부출장마사지 – 의정부 전역에 24시간 여성 전문 마사지사가 찾아가는 출장 홈타이 서비스! 아로마, 스포츠, 커플 마사지로 피로와 스트레스를 합리적 가격에 풀어 의정부출장마사지

  32. オンラインカジノ 入金不要ボーナス は娯楽として楽しむのが基本です。あらかじめ予算とプレイ時間を決め、無理のない範囲で遊びましょう。自己管理機能や定期的な休憩を取り入れることで、ギャンブル依存のリスクを軽減できます。

  33. Best betting sites uk are redefining the online experience through mobile-first technology. With responsive layouts, intuitive navigation, and reliable functionality, users can quickly find the information they need while enjoying a clean, efficient, and professional interface.

  35. Dewalive adalah situs togel online terpercaya yang menyediakan berbagai pasaran togel populer dengan hasil cepat dan akurat. Sebagai situs togel resmi, Dewalive menawarkan layanan aman, bonus menarik, dan sistem transaksi mudah. Jika akses utama sulit dijangkau, pemain dapat menggunakan Dewalive alternatif untuk tetap bermain dengan nyaman tanpa gangguan. Dewalive

  36. Dewalive Togel adalah situs togel online terpercaya yang berperan sebagai bandar togel dan agen togel resmi. Menyediakan berbagai pasaran populer dengan peluang menang tinggi, Dewalive Togel menawarkan pengalaman judi togel yang aman, cepat, dan mudah diakses untuk semua pemain.Agen Togel

  39. Buying a verified Coinbase account can save so much time for traders who want to start instantly. No more waiting for verification or identity approval delays. Just make sure to buy from a trusted seller to ensure safety, full access, and long-term reliability of your account. Buy verified coinbase account

  40. Truck yard security Toronto has never been more effective. Eagle Vision Security uses advanced video monitoring with live personnel to protect truck yards, warehouses, and commercial properties. Our solutions ensure continuous surveillance, enhancing safety and reducing potential losses from theft or vandalism.

  41. Great site you have listed here, offers useful material which may assist any one Also in the event everyone will be intresting in escort ladies, you should contact us. judi sgp

  43. Thanks for a wonderful share. Your article has proved your hard work and experience you have got in this field. Brilliant .i love it reading. situs toto

  47. Having read this I believed it was very enlightening. I appreciate you finding the time and effort to put this information together.
    I once again find myself personally spending way too much time both
    reading and commenting. But so what, it was still worthwhile!

    Take a look at my web blog: thưởng thức sex học sinh miễn phí

  48. Primary You were given some sort of brilliant blog site. When i resolve be engaged with furthermore consistent a few minutes. when i check out you were given absolutely incredibly sensible is important, when i resolve possibly be generally verifying your site blesss. why is my phone on SOS only

  49. تتيح خدمة حجز موعد منصة متى للمواطنين والمقيمين في الكويت إمكانية حجز المواعيد الحكومية إلكترونياً بسهولة وسرعة. من خلال حجز موعد متى منصة متى يمكن للمستخدمين تحديد الجهة الحكومية المطلوبة، واختيار التاريخ والوقت المناسب دون الحاجة إلى الانتظار في الطوابير. تهدف المنصة إلى تنظيم المراجعات وتوفير تجربة رقمية متكاملة تضمن الراحة والدقة في إنجاز المعاملات. كما توفر خاصية تعديل أو إلغاء الموعد عند الحاجة، مما يجعلها الخيار الأمثل لإدارة المواعيد الحكومية في الكويت ضمن إطار التحول الرقمي الذي تشهده البلاد.

  50. Hello, i read your blog from time to time and i own a similar one and i was just wondering if you get a lot of spam responses? If so how do you protect against it, any plugin or anything you can advise? I get so much lately it’s driving me crazy so any help is very much appreciated. بت

Leave a Reply

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