AMCHAM PHUKET EVENT Marine Tourism

On Friday November 21st the American Chamber of Commerce Thailand has organized a special tourism event which will be held at the Outrigger Laguna Beach Phuket's new Similan Ballroom. Phuket has been widely known and respected for its varied marine industry and aquatic life. The island boasts a vibrant yachting scene, healthy scuba diving industry, and is blessed with easily accessible snorkeling spots and a varied marine life population in the Andaman Sea. The marine sector is a vital ingredient in the overall 'Brand Phuket'. However, currently, the reputation of our sparkling big blue is under attack from diminishing fish stocks, boat accidents, poor safety maintenance, keeping wild cetaceans in captivity, yachting restrictions, and pressures put on the scuba diving community from the authorities.
Join Natasha Eldred, of Shine PR, as she leads a discussion on the current challenges and what we can collectively do to try and put the brakes on a seemingly declining reputation. Discuss how the proposed introduction of new tourist attractions will destroy the reputation of the island's good track record of marine conservation and the fight against such places, have already brought communities together in trying to stop them from opening.
The event will be largely interactive and participants will have the opportunity to ask the panel questions on the future of Phuket's marine tourism industry.
Speakers include Claude Sauter, the general manager of The Surin and President of SKAL who will be representing hoteliers island wide. We will hear from him how changes in the marine world affect the hotels and the guests who stay.
We will connect with a special guest speaker, Ric O'Barry, from 'The Dolphin Project' and the award-winning documentary 'The Cove', to hear his views on the current situation with Phuket's proposed dolphinariums. He will tell us what the consequences are to our industry, where the wild dolphins come from and furthermore, what we can do as a community to help these captured animals return to the wild.
Vincent Tabuteau, owner of Asia Marine and best placed to comment on the recent new restrictions and regulations in the yachting industry. Hear what he has to say about the expansion of the marine industry here and its future.
To speak on behalf of the scuba diving industry is Khun Por Parusu Komaradat, a well-established instructor trainer and technical diver. He is a leading and well-established figure in Phuket's dive industry and an expert of the Andaman region.
Legendary and well-loved local environmental leader of change, John Gray will also be present on the panel. Listen to how he has overcome challenges in the past to become a greener tourist outlet and his views on where we are heading.
The forum is a must for those in the hotel, media, tourism, and diving and yachting sectors. Members of the public who are interested are also most welcome. Come to hear the discussion and to share your views starting at 4.30pm (registration from 4pm) on November 21st at the Similan Ballroom of the Outrigger Laguna Phuket.
Everyone is welcome to attend, and admission for non-AMCHAM members is just THB 100. Networking drinks will follow after the forum ends
To sign up for the forum, visit www.amchamthailand.com, or contact Khun Orn at [email protected] or 02-254-1041 ext. 214.