Upbeat prediction for Thailand tourism from new Skal Thailand national president

Thailand’s tourism is set for a bumper year. That’s the view of Andrew Wood, the newly-elected National President of Skal in Thailand. Skal is a global tourism industry organization with almost 20,000 active members in 450 clubs across 85 countries worldwide.

Andrew, formerly General Manager of the Chaophya Park hotel in Bangkok, is confident that the tourism and aviation sectors in Thailand can bounce back from recent man-made and natural disasters.

“The signs are looking good, with encouraging numbers of business and leisure travelers opting for destinations in Thailand. Hotel rates in Thailand remain remarkably competitive, but hoteliers need to maintain higher levels of occupancy throughout the year to regain, and then maintain, profitability.”

Andrew Wood, a former Skal International Councillor, was speaking after the Skal International Thailand AGM at the Rembrandt hotel in Bangkok. He was elected unopposed as President Brian Sinclair-Thompson, who heads up the influential Board of Airline Representatives in Thailand, stepped down as President after serving two consecutive two-year terms.

Skal’s regional representation in Thailand remains strong with flourishing organizations providing a wide range of industry networking events in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Hua Hin, Phuket, and Koh Samui.

“Our own challenge in 2012 is to retain members and to attract more representatives from the travel and tourism fraternity to join our organization. Young Skal in Thailand offers tourism and hospitality students to meet with young professionals, and we are fortunate to enjoy the support of top universities such as ABAC,” added Andrew, “Our members work at the heart of the nation’s tourism industry. Together, we continue to support Thailand’s efforts to restore faith and confidence in the leisure and MICE sectors.”

Andrew Wood also paid tribute to the work of Khun Malai Sakolviphak - considered by many as the “father” of Skal Thailand. “Khun Malai, who recently passed away, left behind a powerful legacy and a following of dedicated and committed members,” he said.

Other Skal members elected to serve on the national committee for 2012/14:

- Vice President: Robert Lee (Skal Bangkok)

- Honorary Vice President and Government/Trade Liaison: Somsak Kiratipanich (Skal Bangkok)

- Secretary: Brinley Waddell (Skal Bangkok)

- International Skal Councillor & Director for Young Skal: Scott Smith (Skal Bangkok)

- PR and Communications: Dale Lawrence (President – Skal Bangkok)

- Directors: Annette Kunigagon (Skal Chiang Mai); Boris Blobel (Skal Hua Hin); Michael Biedermann (Skal Koh Samui)