 RUES Hotel Selection EcoFriendly Hotels Worldwide |
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Eco-Tourism Destination Development Interview with Tom Aikins, Editor of Thailand Hospitality Magazine March 2005 Introduction: The TAT – Tourism Authority of Thailand – in the aftermaths of Tsunami in December 2004, is planning to develop EcoTourism as a new attraction, especially in its less developed regions, but with great natural and cultural resources. Looking back 15 years of what has been done for Sustainable Tourism Development and the image of Thailand’s image as EcoTourism destination, we come to the conclusion, that Thailand is still in it’s infancy. Thailand Hospitality Magazine’s editor Tom Aikins, had an interview with Eberhardt H. Rues, Founder and President of RHS EcoFriendly Hotels Worldwide, about development, conservation, education, partnering and marketing: TH: What does TAT’s EcoTourism development plan mean for the Thai Hospitality Industry? Rues: This is good news for Thailand’s entire Tourism Industry and related businesses: Timing could not be better to both, enter the race of Global EcoTourism Destination Development in the new Millennium and to diversify Thailand’s tourism attractions. TH: Why is diversification important? Rues: Because todays and future responsible tourists and travelers are looking for unique and environmental oriented travel experiences, coupled with leisure, exploration, and education. EcoTourism is the perfect alternative to respond to the growing demand and expectation of responsible travel in the 21 century on the national and International market scenario. TH: What are the solutions? Rues: “Turn Crisis into Opportunity.” My favorite strategy in challenging situations: “Working Together” by means of “Actions” not by Words. Joint planning and development of “Integrated Sustainable Tourism and EcoTourism” with the participation of all public and private sectors of the Hospitality and Tourism Industries, and all related businesses and institutions. Establishing partnerships and/or partnering with International Organizations, such as: UNESCO, UNEP, GTZ (German Technical Cooperation) ICLEI (International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives) USAID, CI (Conservation International) among many others. TH: Why do you think EcoTourism Development in Thailand has not being given more importance in the past? And what were the reasons for it. Rues: Thailand’s primary tourism segment - until the Tsunami - has focused primarily on Beach and Leisure Tourism; becoming one of Asia’s Top tourism destinations and enjoying an excellent* travel economy. From past experience in other countries as well, where tourism business is booming, some authorities hesitate to change. In the view of an hotelier, I do not recommend “putting all eggs in one basket.” Even less so, in an uncertain world economy, with a fragile environment and other related issues: that is where international travel is the first one to slow done. TH: What are Thailand’s greatest tourism assets and challenges? Rues: Thailand already being on the list of the “World Best Tourism Destinations” is not only a great achievement, but also is a potential asset. The challenges, to unite Thailand’s great diversity of natural, cultural and heritage resources, by making it an integrated destination: By means of “Working Together” and “Partnering” with the existing hotel and tourism infrastructure. Hence, assuring a faster recovery from the Tsunami, and assuring continuous growth in tourism businesses - nationally and internationally - and to withstand the very strong global competition in the industry. TH: What role plays the Hotel Industry in the development of EcoTourism? Rues: A very important one. The Hospitality Industry is the backbone of Global Tourism Development (GTD) therefore, its voice and involvement are important within EcoTourism Destination Development. Two good examples, the IHEI – International Hotels Environment Initiative – lead by Prince Charles of Wales, since 1992 – introduced the programmes of “Environmental Good Practices in Hotels”. And the Thai Hotel Association (THA) - which was among the first associations in Asia, to implement environmental programmes in 1995: And has been involved ever since in environmental education through “The Green Leaf Programme” starting in 1996. TH: Who are the other partners of Global Tourism Development? Rues: The Airlines and Travel Industry, to which I refer as heart of GTP: Because together with the hotel industry they have changed traveling around the world, since the 50’s. PANAM Airlines and Inter-Continental Hotels, signed the first partnership in the mid’s 50. Starting at the first IHC hotel in Behlem, Brazil. Since then, most of the airlines and tour operators formed partnerships or signed partnering programmes with national and international hotel chains. TH: What services could RUES Hotel Management & Consulting provide TAT and THA? Rues: Through our four brands: RHM&C, RUES Hotel Selection EcoFriendly Hotels Worldwide (RHS), RUES Marketing & Representation (RM&R) and RUES Hotel Interim Management (RHIM.) We could provide integrated interim management, marketing and consulting services – traditional and environmental oriented. Based on RHS mission: Conservation, Education, and Sustainable Tourism Development. Naturally, we would work in partnership with all sectors private and public. Case studies of my three pioneer projects in Latin America, 1976 to 1996 can be viewed on our Web site: ecofriendlyhotelsrhs.com TH: What are the commitments towards sustainable development? Rues: The Agenda 21 binds local authorities to implementing at local level the commitments made towards sustainable development – also tourism - by the international community. It was drawn up in 1992 at the “Earth Summit” in Rio de Janeiro – in the Agenda 21 – and has since become to the main mechanism for community planning for sustainability. (Source UNEP) TH: Are there agencies in Thailand that have connections to the United Nations Programmes? Rues: Yes, the UN Community in Thailand is more diverse than in most countries because Bangkok is a major center for the UN System – it has sometimes been called the Geneva of Asia. TH: Where can financial support be found? Rues: Multilateral institutions such as the IMF and the World Bank, have stressed their interest in the relevant experience of bilateral donors. Together with the UN and other international organizations in association with local NGO’S they are focusing on “Poverty Reduction Strategies by the year 2015.” TH: What priorities would you set? Rues: First, to design and implement “integrated environmental curriculum programmes – a must – at all hotel and tourism schools/universities linked with continuous education programmes – work shops and seminars. Second, to develop EcoTourism Communities, linked with Environmental Agriculture, Renewable Energy: in partnership with local and international universities and organizations and hotels – independent hotels and hotel chains. Third, to develop a balanced mix – of all types and price range of hotels, resorts, lodges, inns among others. Forth, to launch the “Hotel & Tourism Initiative for Environment Education.” Hoteliers and experts in the field would collaborate with both, EcoTourism communities and Sustainable Tourism in the role of “Environment Ambassadors and Consultants” by means of providing consultancy and interim management on Eco-Marketing, Eco-Management and Renewable Energies to all the participating partners of public and private sectors. * Numbers/data need to be verified.
Eberhardt H. Rues - Founder and President |
