Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) expressed, "In response to the government's policy to drive and revitalize Thailand's economy through tourism, TAT is expeditiously advancing key initiatives, encompassing marketing, the effective utilization of data and digital technology, with the aim of fostering tourism security and fortifying the tourism industry. The engagement in partnerships with private sectors, such as Grab, underscores TAT's steadfast commitment to driving these strategic initiatives. By leveraging Grab's position as a leading platform catering to the needs of contemporary travelers, with access to both domestic and foreign tourists' behavioral databases, and a shared vision for environmental sustainability, we are confident that this collaboration will not only fortify but also propel Thailand's tourism industry in a sustainable direction."
Worachat Luxkanalode, Country Head of Grab Thailand, emphasized, "As a leading superapp in Southeast Asia, Grab is dedicated to supporting the growth of the Thai economy and the promotion of tourism. This commitment is particularly evident through our on-demand ride-hailing services, which prioritize convenience, safety, and service quality for travelers. Over the past several years, Grab has collaborated extensively with TAT to promote Thai tourism on various fronts. This collaborative effort included organizing tourism promotion campaigns, both offline and online, targeting both domestic and international travelers. Additionally, we have focused on enhancing our platform and service quality for our driver-partners, aiming to create a positive and memorable experience for tourists."
"This official partnership announcement with TAT underscores our dedication to promoting Thai tourism and fostering sustainable industry growth. We are committed to ongoing collaboration with TAT, working together to develop exciting plans and activities aimed at boosting the economy and propelling the Thai tourism industry forward."
Under the MOU, Grab Thailand and TAT aim to drive a Thai tourism industry across three key areas, including:
- Organizing campaigns and providing special privileges to tourists: Grab and TAT will collaborate to launch tourism stimulation campaigns catering to both Thai and international travelers. This initiative involves offering deals and discounts on various Grab services, such as ride-hailing and deliveries. Not only does this provide convenient and affordable services to tourists, but it also contributes to the distribution of income and the generation of revenue for local communities in both tourist and second-tier cities.
- Exchanging data and insights: Grab and TAT will collaborate on the exchange of travel-related information, covering tourism and travel trends, as well as tourist behaviors observed on the Grab platform, including travel patterns and spending habits. These insights will serve as a valuable resource for TAT in formulating both short-term and long-term plans. Furthermore, both parties are committed to developing the potential of individuals in the tourism industry, including Grab's driver-partners, who play a frontline role in welcoming tourists and contributing to the enhancement of Thailand's image and reputation.
- Promoting Sustainable Tourism: Sustainable Tourism Goals (STGs) are a central focus for TAT, aiming to encourage the integration of environmentally-friendly practices among industry entrepreneurs and the effective reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. This objective aligns seamlessly with Grab's environmental sustainability goals, especially in promoting the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) among its driver-partners in Thailand. Both parties are committed to further promoting the use of EVs to cater to tourists in Thailand, contributing to a more sustainable and eco-friendly tourism landscape.
Source: FleishmanHillard