Excellencies,
Distinguished guests,
Esteemed colleagues,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Very good morning to all of you. I am joining you today with immense gratitude and hope to explore the transformative power of BCG immunization in the tourism sector. The challenges we have faced in recent times have reshaped our perspectives and illuminated the need for sustainable practices in the face of uncertainty. Today, we embark on a journey together - a journey towards embracing the Bioeconomy, Circular Economy, and Green Economy to shape the future of tourism. On this occasion, I would like to welcome everyone. I also express my appreciation to the Kingdom of Thailand, the Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA) and the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) for their efforts in organizing the online training course on the CICA platform.
The tourism industry has long thrived on showcasing the world's wonders, cultural diversity, and natural beauty. But we must acknowledge that our endeavours have come at a cost. The delicate ecosystems and communities that support our cherished destinations bear the brunt of our actions. It is time for us to usher in a new era. We need to embrace bio-economy, circular economy and green economy practices in the tourism sector to create new economic opportunities, preserve culture and bio-diversity, minimize the impact on the environment.
The recent global challenges have shown us that the health and safety of travelers and local communities are paramount. By embracing BCG immunization strategies, we can instill confidence in travelers, rebuild our industry, and protect the vulnerable populations that are reliant on tourism for their livelihoods.
As we venture into this new era of tourism, we must remember that our actions today will determine the world we leave for future generations. The decisions we make now will shape the legacy of our industry and define its role in the broader context of sustainable development.
Let us seize this opportunity to work hand in hand. Together, we can create a tourism industry that enhances the well-being of communities, celebrates cultural diversity, and cherishes the natural wonders of our planet.
I am filled with hope and optimism. I have no doubt that the ideas shared, and the insights gained, during the seven days long training programme will propel us towards a more sustainable, responsible, and resilient future for tourism.
I wish all of you to have interactive and interesting training sessions ahead.
I also extend my thanks to the Government of Thailand, TICA and NIDA for their unwavering commitment towards the transformation of the tourism industry by conducting such an important and relevant training course.
Thank you.
