The 4th Tourism Working Group Meeting between the Ministry of Tourism and Sports and the Japan Transport and Tourism Research Institute ASEAN – India Regional Office
On Wednesday, 5th March 2025 Japan Transport and Tourism Research Institute ASEAN-India Regional (JTTRI-AIRO) and Ministry of Tourism and Sports (MOT) will hold the 4th Tourism Working Group meeting in the theme of "Toward High-Value Tourism Destination and Industry by Utilizing National and Local Identities (Tourism Resources) ～Future Prospects and Initiatives to Achieve Sustainable Tourism～". For the fourth meeting, the focus is on reviewing the discussions from the second and third meetings to broadly share the insights gained with ASEAN countries, south Asia, and other regions. Additionally, the meeting will explore themes to be addressed in the future.
1st In February 2023, The Japan Transport Research Institue (JTTRI), In collaboration with Thailand's Ministry of Tourism and Sports(MOTS), hosted a symposium titled JTTRI-AIRO Opening Commemorative Symposiun in theme of Shifting Tourism for the Post-Pandemic Era ～How Should Thailand and Japan work towards Quality Tourism～ The Chairman of the Transport Research Institute, Mr. Shukuri, and then-Minister of Tourism and Sports, Mr. Pipat, agreed to establish a Japan-Thailand Tourism Working Group. This initiative aims to further discuss the key points raised during the symposium, with the goals of promoting mutual understanding, expanding bilateral exchanges, and achieving sustainable tourism.
2nd In December 2023, with the cooperation of stakeholders, including the Japan Tourism Agency, the first meeting of the Working Group was held. In May 2024, the second meeting focused on the theme of National and Local Identities: Key Driver to Attract Tourists to Destinations ～Tourism strategic measures and best practice in Thailand and Japan～ where tourism experts from both Japan and Thailand discussed how to enhance the appeal of tourism resources, policies, and destinations in both countries.
3rd meeting centered on the theme of "Community-Based Tourism Promotion," a key initiative for both countries. The group visited the Takientia Community in Thailand to observe pioneering community-driven tourism initiatives. During the visit, participants shared their insights on the initiatives and gave presentations incorporating specific examples of local efforts and national policies from both Japan and Thailand, fostering in-depth discussions.
The 4th Tourism Working Group
Date & Time
5th March(Wed) 2025
09:00-11:30 (ICT)
11:00-13:30 (JST)
Venue
On Site: Hotel Nikko Bangkok [Invitation Only]
Online : Zoom Webinar broadcasting the working group to tourism authorities
and tourism related entities in ASEAN
Theme
Toward High-Value Tourism Destination and Industry by Utilizing National and Local Identities (Tourism Resources)
～Future Prospects and Initiatives to Achieve Sustainable Tourism～
Program
Opening Remarks (10 Min)
- Mr. OKUDA Tatsuya, President for International Affairs/ President
JTTRI, JTTRI-AIRO
- Dr. Wanida PHANSA-ARD, Deputy Permanent Secretary,
Ministry of Tourism and Sports
Introduction of Attendees (5 Min)
Greeting from Guest of Honor (10 Min)
- H.E. Mr. Sorawong THIENTHONG, Minister,
Ministry of Tourism and Sports
- Mr. NISHIOKA Tatsushi, Deputy Chief of Mission,
Embassy of Japan in Thailand
Keynote Lecture (20 Min)
- Mr. Paul PRUANGKARN, Chief of Staff,
Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA)
Summary of the past working groups (20 Min)
- 2nd Working Group "National and Local Identities: Key Driver to Attract Tourists to Destinations
～Tourism strategic measures and best practice in Thailand and Japan～”
Presentation by JTTRI-AIRO
- Mr. TOMITA Akihiro, Executive Director,
ASEAN-India Regional Office, JTTRI
- 3rd Working Group "Tourism Development Initiated by Community-Based Tourism Between Thailand and Japan"
～Best Practices Exchange in Community-Based Tourism between Thailand and Japan～
Presentation by MOTS
- Mrs. Katesaraporn WIMONRAT, Director of International Affairs Division,
Permanent Secretary Office, Ministry of Tourism and Sports
Break (10 Min)
Panel discussion (60 Min)
Moderator
- Mr. Thanawut LIMPANTIGUL, Associate Professor,
Department of Organization, Entrepreneurship and Human Resource Management,
Thammasat Business School
Panelist
Japanese Side
- Mr. KAWADA Atsuya, Director of Strategy Planning Division,
Japan Tourism Agency (JTA)
- Mr. SAWANOBORI Tsuguhiko, Director,
Jalan Research Center
Thai Side
- Mr. Santi SAWANGCHAROEN, Deputy Executive Director,
Office of the Governor, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)
- Ms. Praphatsorn VARDHANABHUTI, Chief of Creative Tourism Division,
Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA)
Contents:
- Review and disucuss past working groups.
- Discuss and propose themes that should be taken up in future WGs.
- Q&A
Closing Remark (10 Min)
- Mr. OKUDA Tatsuya, President for International Affairs/ President
JTTRI, JTTRI-AIRO
- Dr. Wanida PHANSA-ARD, Deputy Permanent Secretary,
Ministry of Tourism and Sports
Registration
