Bangkok, 17 August, 2022 – The 60th APEC Tourism Working Group Meeting in Bangkok was successfully held from 16-17 August, 2022, with Thailand – as APEC 2022 host – pushing forward the APEC Policy Recommendations on ‘Regenerative Tourism’ to pave the way for the future of tourism across the Asia-Pacific region.

Presided over by Mr. Choti Trachu, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the two-day meeting was the first physical event for the APEC Tourism Working Group delegates after two years of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mr. Choti said, “The socio-economic impacts from the pandemic on tourism signalled the need for an innovative strategy to revive the tourism industry. From previously focusing on sustainable tourism, the crisis presented an opportunity to rethink how tourism could become inclusive and equitable for the people and the natural resources. This led to the concept of ‘Regenerative Tourism’ that is in line with Thailand’s Bio-Circular-Green or BCG Economy Model, and conforms to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”

With the focus on the concept of ‘Regenerative Tourism’, the two-day meeting covered various topics; such as, Restarting Travel and Tourism, and issues on labour and the workforce in the sector in the post-COVID-19 world; Consideration of the APEC Tourism Strategic Plan 2020 – 2024 in all priority areas; Viewing of Gastronomy as a drive for desirable change, and Regenerative Tourism and the future of APEC tourism.

The results from the 60th APEC Tourism Working Group Meeting will be presented for deliberation and consideration at the 11th APEC Tourism Ministerial Meeting, which will be held on Friday, 19 August, 2022.

During the APEC Tourism Working Group Meeting, Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports in cooperation with the Thai agricultural sector also staged a live exhibition on the ‘Miracle of Coconuts’, allowing delegates to immerse themselves in the Thai way of life through watching and taking part in various activities. The showcase of coconut-related Thai folk wisdoms and latest innovations for tourism aptly reflected the meeting’s ‘Regenerative Tourism’ concept.

All photos courtesy of Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports.

Mr. Choti Trachu

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