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  Quality Versus Quantity in Thailand's Tourism
One of the contradictions at the centre of the tourism industry - quality versus quantity tourism - will be addressed head-on by the PATA Thailand Chapter in January 2009. "The objective," said the Chapter's Chairman, Mr Luzi Matzig, Group CEO of Asian Trails, a major inbound tour operator in Asia, "is to show that the debate has profound implications for your destination's identity, its economic performance, the physical environment and the social-economic well-being of your people." He added: "There is often too much lip service in the quality vs quantity debate. We want to look at the real implications from a variety of perspectives." The debate will take place in Bangkok. The Chapter will release further information soon.

  Tourism Operators and Academia Bridge the Gap
A new bridge has been built between tourism operators and tourism educators. The PATA Thailand Chapter's "The Future is Now - Educating the Educators and Training the Trainers" workshop on August 19 showed how both sides could benefit from better information and personnel sharing. During the event, leading hotel, tour operators and teachers addressed dilemmas such as quality vs quantity of education, the six mistakes in education, and how to avoid them, and the need for a permanent industry-university liaison group. Workshop organizer, Mr Bert van Walbeek of The Winning Edge said: "While priorities varied, all speakers were agreed on the need for continuous investment in education and training for all aspects of Thailand's tourism future." He added: "Education and training is getting more expensive, but in a people-first sector such as tourism, a lack of skills will cost us more in the long run."

  dusitD2 baraquda pattaya to Open Late 2008
Dusit International will launch its second dusitD2 property with the opening of the dusitD2 baraquda pattaya in late 2008. The 72-room intimate design hotel targets young-at-heart travellers and will feature a club lounge, a main restaurant serving Indochinese food, a bar, a pool bar, sunset lounge, spa, fitness, retail shop, a free-form swimming pool, and two meeting rooms. Projected rates will range from THB7,000++ to THB16,000++. The hotel follows the success of the award-winning dusitD2 chiang mai, and will be located on Pattaya 2 Road with easy beach access. Further information, please click here.

dusitD2 baraquda pattaya

  Thai Farm Cultural Package at Rose Garden Near Bangkok
Rose Garden, a one-hour drive west of Bangkok, has introduced the "Thai Farm Experience" cultural immersion package, which runs until December 31, 2008. The two-day day/one-night package costs THB2,800 per person and includes one night's stay at Rose Garden Riverside with breakfast, the "Living the Thai Culture" workshop at Thai Village, Thai Village Cultural Show, a trip to the resort's organic gardens and orchid farm, and a Thai set dinner. The three-day/two-night package, costs THB4,500 per person and includes an additional night's stay, with breakfast, and an international buffet lunch. The package is for groups of four persons and up. Tel: (+66) 34 322-544. www.rosegardenriverside.com.

  THAI Launches 'Fantastic 4' Fares to Five Cities
THAI Airways International has introduced a "TG Fantastic 4" promotion which targets passengers travelling in groups of four, on selected routes, and runs until September 31, 2008. The selected roundtrip routes are between Bangkok and Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Seoul, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. Ticket prices start from 4,600 baht (excluding tax and fuel surcharge). THAI Royal Orchid Plus members can accumulate mileage points. Tel: (+66) 2356-1111. www.thaiairways.com.

Explore Bangkok With Chaophaya Park Hotel Chaophaya Park Hotel is offering guests a great way to see Bangkok with its newly launched two-day/one-night "Explore Bangkok" package, which runs until January 31, 2009. Costing THB3,500 (single), THB4,500 (double), the deal includes accommodation with breakfast and dinner, all-day tea and coffee, and a one-day MRTA subway pass. The hotel has free broadband WiFi for guests. Room-only rates cost THB2,900 net per night. Tel (+66) 2290-0125. Email: reservation@chaophyapark.com. www.chaophyapark.com.

Chaophaya Park guest room

Enjoy 'Summer Sunset' Offers on Koh Chang In Thailand's Trat province, southeast of Bangkok, Dusit Princess Koh Chang's romantic getaway "Summer Sunset" two-night package costs from THB7,200 to THB11,200. The offer includes breakfast for two, a romantic dinner for two at The Bay Restaurant, free cocktail for two people, and 10% discount at NAMM Spa. Room rates are: Pool Access Deluxe THB7,200++, Beach Front Deluxe THB8,200++ and Pool Villa THB 11,200++. Summer Sunset packages are available until October 31, 2008. Tel (+66) 39 558-055. Email: dpkc@dusit.com. www.dusit.com.

Spa Serenity at Shangri-La Bangkok Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok has introduced "Spa Serenity", a spa and accommodation offer. The package includes breakfast and two spa treatments per person at Chi, The Spa. Guests need to stay a minimum three nights, with nightly rates of Deluxe Room THB9,250++, Horizon Club THB11,000++, and Krungthep Wing Deluxe Room THB12,750. A BMW 7 series limousine picks up guests arriving at the airport. The offer runs until January 31, 2009. Tel: (+66) 2206-8788. www.shangri-la.com.

Spa Serenity at Shangri-La Bangkok

'Green Season Action' Deals Combine Bangkok and the Beach Bangkok-based NS Travel & Tours is introducing five combination destination packages with its "Green Season Action" promotion, which runs until October 31, 2008. All packages involve time in Bangkok and one of the following destinations: Hua Hin, Koh Chang, Koh Samed, Phuket or Koh Lanta. Most destinations offer a choice of resorts and rooms, and rates vary accordingly. Flights and transfers are included; some packages offer other activities such as spa treatments. Prices vary from THB19,000 to THB313,300. Tel: (+66) 2642-6627. Email: info@nstravel.com. www.nstravel.com.

  Summer Nights Beckon in Hua Hin
Dusit Thani Hua Hin's "Summer Nights" package costs THB9,999, and runs until October 31, 2008. Guests checking in on Friday or Saturday receive two nights' accommodation with breakfast for two, plus a Saturday BBQ dinner for two. Those arriving Sunday to Thursday enjoy an immediate THB3,000 discount. Upgrades to Dusit Grand Room cost THB6,000 weekdays, THB 9,000 weekends. The package also includes a THB 500 gift voucher, redeemable at the Dusit Thani Bangkok, Dusit Thani Pattaya, Dusit Thani Hua Hin or Devarana Spas, and a 30% discount voucher, valid for qualifying purchases exclusively at Dusit Thani Hua Hin. Summer Nights is valid until October 31, 2008. Tel: (+66) 32 442-100. Email: dthhrsvn@dusit.com. www.dusit.com.