“Digital Technologies Driving Sustainable Tourism Transformation” Seminar to be held in Thailand

"Digital Technologies Driving Sustainable Tourism Transformation" Seminar to be held in Thailand

- ASEAN-Korea Centre to organize seminar in Bangkok, Thailand, November 20-21, 2024 -

The ASEAN-Korea Centre (Secretary General Kim Jae-shin) will co-organize the "Digital Technologies Driving Sustainable Tourism Transformation" Seminar at W Hotel Bangkok, Thailand, on November 20-21. Co-hosted with the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of Thailand and in cooperation with Asian Development Bank, the seminar aims to explore the positive impact of digital technology on the sustainable tourism industry in the ASEAN region and seek innovative strategies for sustainable tourism growth. The two-day program will feature experts from Korea and the ASEAN region sharing the latest trends and strategies in sustainable digital technology.

The program will focus on sustainable tourism approaches through digital innovation, including expert presentations, panel discussions and interactive activities. Speakers include Dr. Hwang Yeong-hyeon from Dong-A University; Daniel Wu, Head of Global Government Affairs at Agoda; Park Jin-ho, Advisor at Awesomepia (AI-based extended reality (XR) technology company); Dee Suvimol, Executive Director of the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office; and a representative from W Bangkok Hotel. They will discuss tourism trends and digital strategies between Korea and Thailand, as well as ways to leverage smart technology. Notably, a panel discussion will be held on the first day, featuring officials from
the Thailand Ministry of Tourism and Sports and key private-sector tourism experts to explore innovative strategies for enhancing digital tourism exchanges, and adoption of digital tools to improve processes and promotional activities.

As an international hub for tourism and exchange, Thailand's tourism industry accounts for over 20% of its GDP. The Thai government is currently promoting digital transformation towards becoming a smart tourism destination by implementing the BCG economy (Bio-Circular-Green Economy) model to build sustainable tourism frameworks. In particular, the Thailand Ministry of Tourism and Sports is developing a smart platform that utilizes AI and big data to collect and analyze tourism data, expanding personalized tourism services and creating an innovative tourism environment that considers digital technology and sustainability. This seminar will serve as a platform for collaboration and networking,
offering participants opportunities to explore ways to enhance tourism using sustainable digital solutions.

Since 2009, the ASEAN-Korea Centre has conducted numerous programs to advance ASEAN's tourism competitiveness. Furthermore, the Centre plans to organize bilateral ASEAN-Korea Quality Tourism Development Towards Sustainability Initiatives with all the 10 ASEAN Member States over the next three years.