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.
Saya menantikan seri selanjutnya. Jasa Fumigasi Container
What are the risks and benefits of buying 레플리카 items? Let’s discuss
Anda benar-benar tahu cara menghubungkan pembaca. Jasa Fumigasi Kontainer
Terima kasih atas pemikiran mendalam ini. jasa penerjemah jerman
Padangtoto Slot adalah permainan mesin slot online yang menawarkan berbagai jenis mesin slot dengan tema yang berbeda-beda. Tujuan utama permainan ini adalah untuk mencocokkan simbol-simbol tertentu pada gulungan mesin slot untuk memenangkan hadiah
Hi there, I discovered your blog per Google bit searching for such kinda educational advise moreover your inform beholds very remarkable for me. Image size reduction using AI
Nothilfe Beratungsdienste” bietet dringende Unterstützung und Beratung in verschiedenen Lebenssituationen an. Unser Team von Fachleuten steht Ihnen zur Seite, um Ihnen in Notfällen Hilfe und Orientierung zu bieten.
Nothilfe Beratungsdienste
op사이트 순위: Your trusted resource for all your needs
Heard a lot about 수원오피 lately. What’s the hype all about?
Nestled amidst the serene landscapes of Pingtung, a place steeped in cultural heritage and profound traditions, Pingtung Funeral Home stands as a sanctuary of solace and compassion. 屏東葬儀社
understanding required to honor the unique legacies of those who have passed on. With meticulous attention to detail, 屏東葬儀社
Understanding the complexities of grief and the emotional journey of healing, Pingtung Funeral Home extends unwavering support to families,屏東葬儀社
Artikel yang sangat berguna untuk pemula. jasa penerjemah jepang
Ini adalah sumber daya yang sangat berguna. Jasa Fumigasi Ekspor
Postingan Anda selalu penuh dengan wawasan. Jasa Fumigasi Cikarang
Saya ingin mengeksplorasi topik ini lebih lanjut. jasa penerjemah arab
Saya suka bagaimana Anda menyeimbangkan opini dengan fakta. Jasa Fumigasi Perpustakaan
Artikel yang bagus dan informatif. jasa penerjemah bahasa inggris
Terima kasih telah memberi kami bahan pemikiran. Pembasmi Rayap Jakarta
Saya akan membagikan ini kepada teman-teman saya. jasa penerjemah bahasa
Anda membedah topik ini dengan sangat baik. Jasa Pembasmi Kecoa Jakarta
Terima kasih atas wawasan yang berharga. tips memilih jasa penerjemah
Sangat menghargai kerja keras yang Anda masukkan ke dalam konten ini. Pembasmi Rayap Kelapa Gading
Wow! Such an amazing and helpful post this is. I really really love it. It’s so good and so awesome. I am just amazed. I hope that you continue to do your work like this in the future also. Smart photo dimension adjustment
Ini adalah panduan yang sempurna untuk pemula. Jasa Anti Rayap Gudang
Kualitas tulisan Anda luar biasa. Pembasmi Rayap Jakarta Utara
Penjelasannya sangat jelas dan mudah diikuti. jasa penerjemah murah
Saya akan terus mengikuti blog Anda. Pembasmi Rayap Tangerang
Artikel yang inspiratif dan memotivasi. penerjemah profesional
Anda menjelaskan dengan sangat jelas dan lugas. Jasa Anti Rayap BSD
Terima kasih sudah memberikan langkah-langkah yang konkret. Pembasmi Rayap Bogor
Saya akan mencoba rekomendasi Anda. penerjemah jakarta
Saya suka analogi yang Anda gunakan untuk menjelaskan poin Anda. Pembasmi Rayap BSD
The Slayer Christmas sweater in Uglychristmassweater.bio combines heavy metal with holiday cheer, appealing to fans of the iconic band looking to celebrate the season in their unique style. This eye-catching garment features the band’s distinctive logo juxtaposed with festive elements like snowflakes and Santa hats. The design perfectly captures the spirit of Slayer while adding a playful twist. Made from high-quality materials, it’s not only a statement piece but also comfortable and warm for the winter months.
Website: https://uglychristmassweater.bio/collections/slayer-christmas-sweater/
“Découvrez l’élégance et la convivialité d’un brûleur bio éthanol design. Ajoutez une touche contemporaine à votre espace avec ce foyer écologique, alliant esthétique et chaleur pour des moments chaleureux inoubliables.”
Brûleur bio éthanol design
This 오피가이드 community is a fantastic place for enthusiasts
Great blog! I tracked down it while riding around on Google. Content of this page is interesting as well too explored. Feel a debt of gratitude. الدراسة في تركيا
Hey There. I found your blog using msn. This is a very well written article. I’ll be sure to bookmark it and come back to read more of your useful info. Thanks for the post. I’ll definitely return. THC Vape
From the thrill-seekers to the connoisseurs of culture and cuisine, there’s something enchanting for everyone in this captivating wonderland.娛樂城
Here, time seems to slow down as the thrill-seekers immerse themselves in a world where the only limits are the boundaries of their imagination.娛樂城
If you want to get rid of your junk car and make money while you are at it, Southside Cash For Junk Scrap Car Removal is just a call away. Connect with us today to receive top dollar for scrap cars and removal of your old vehicle Tow truck calgary
ordinary and invites visitors on an enchanting journey through the realms of adventure, culture, and culinary delights.娛樂城
it’s an exquisite journey into the heart of timeless elegance. With a profound understanding of each couple’s individual narrative, The Wedding :婚禮顧問
experiences that resonate with the heart and soul of the couple. From the intricately curated floral arrangements that speak the language :婚禮顧問
With a gentle touch and meticulous attention to detail, she navigates the complexities of wedding planning, ensuring that each couple’s journey is adorned with seamless perfection and everlasting joy.:婚禮顧問
Sangat informatif dan relevan. penerjemah jakarta utara
Sebuah perspektif yang sangat diperlukan! Pembasmi Rayap Jakarta Pusat
Artikel yang mendalam dan terstruktur dengan baik. penerjemah jakarta timur
Anda benar-benar telah melakukan pekerjaan rumah Anda. Pembasmi Rayap Jakarta Barat
Saya ingin tahu lebih banyak tentang topik ini. penerjemah jakarta selatan