(L to R) Pol. Col Anaek Srathongyu,
Wasan Sriburanasorn, Rattanachai Suthidechanai, Bundarik Kusolvitya and Glit
Jeeramongkol are spearheading “Pattaya’s New Look”.
Warunya Thongrod
Pattaya tourism leaders’ preparation for the ASEAN Economic Community
was on full display as city officials and tourism-industry leaders met for a
two-day “Pattaya New Look” symposium at the Amari Orchid Resort & Tower.
Hosted by Rattanachai Sutidechanai, chairman of the city council’s Tourism and
Culture Committee, the Nov. 18-20 workshop saw industry leaders call for
upgrades to Pattaya’s retail offerings, international marketing, and public
relations once the AEC opens in 2015.
“We need to not just improve entertainment areas like Walking Street, but show
that the city has many other tourist attractions,” said Bundarik Kusolvitya,
president of the Thai Hotels Association Eastern Region. “If we do not come up
with something new, then will just keep receiving the same types of tourists we
always have.”
Rakchai Rengsomboon, vice president of the Thai Gift Premiums & Decorative
Association, addressed steps that should be taken to make Pattaya’s stores and
retail chains more appealing to international buyers.
Taweepong Weechaidit, managing director of Special Properties, said Pattaya will
need to upgrade its marketing processes to compete with other major tourist
cities in the region.
Wasan Sriburanasorn, creative director of the Fresh Air Festival Co., said
likewise of the city’s public relations efforts, especially if local businesses
hope to get some of the 2 trillion baht the government aims to inject into the
economy per year from tourism.
Rattanachai acknowledged that bad press pushed him to organize the “New Look”
seminar.
“After Pattaya had problems with its safety system for tourists, the government
became more strict and decided to organize the seminar to improve Pattaya,
proposing a slogan of “Pattaya: Definitely More.”
The workshop also offered more-practical lectures, including tips on improving
the economy under the AEC from Piti Srisangnam, director of academic affairs at
Chulalongkorn University’s ASEAN Studies Center.