My professional passion in life is learning, talking and thinking about Travel and Tourism. Yes, of course, as a traveller, but even more so as a consultant, educator and speaker. And hopefully now, through this blog, as a contibutor to the Travel and Tourism public debate.
In the late 80′s, I had the good fortune of spending a year backpacking through South and Southeast Asia. I’ve also spent another 15+ years trying to carve out my career niche in this amazing part of the world. Today home is Vientiane, Laos and work still takes me to the far reaches of the world.
Travel and Tourism is recognised for its many virtues: creator of jobs, earner of foreign exhange, creator of peace and understanding and alleviator of poverty. The industry also brings with it many potential negative impacts.
By sharing my personal insights, theories I’ve studied, experiences I’ve had and opinions I’ve heard, my wish for this blog is to ensure that the flames of public debate remain ablaze and that Travel and Tourism matures into a recognized leading contributor to economic, social and environmental solutions challenging our future. Friends are also welcome to share their views and opinions with guest posts.
Bio-Data Peter Semone
Peter has an extensive background in tourism marketing, policy, planning and development issues throughout the Asia Pacific region. Currently, he is leading the development of the Lao National Institute of Tourism and Hospitality (www.Lanith.com).
From 2002 to 2006, he served as Vice President of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) where he was responsible for directing PATA’s regional offices in Europe, the Americas, the Pacific and China and providing strategic leadership to PATA’s many regional and global initiatives. During his tenure at PATA, which was among the most robust in recent decades, Peter was instrumental in responding to the Bali Bomb, SARS and Tsunami crises and in nurturing cooperation among the seven Greater Mekong Sub-region destinations.
During his 20+ year career in Asian hospitality and tourism, Peter has founded and developed numerous private sector tourism companies including: an Indonesian destination management company, a commercial river rafting company and several lodging and restaurant ventures.
Peter enjoys lecturing on topics ranging from destination human resource development, strategic management and destination marketing at numerous Asia Pacific tourism colleges and at professional tourism conferences. He has served as tourism consultant and advisor to the Asian Development Bank, the European Union and the World Bank as well as on behalf of several national government projects.
Peter holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations from the University of Pennsylvania and a Master of Management degree in Destination Management from Cornell University.
Really professional and “cool”. Great initiative. I hope you can build on it progressively.
Now I can access it. Really professional and “cool”. Great initiative. I hope you can build on it progressively.
I just spent close to an hour to “study” your blog Tourism 101. Congratulations creating that one.
I thought that PATA had closed the Sydney office. And what a surprise – Fiji has now only four members including only one from the industry: Tanoa Hotels. I see that PNG and Tahiti are still well represented.
Dear Peter,
There is already a months-long search for the Director of the Mekong Tourism Office in Bangkok. For me, it is too obvious that only you will be the right and successful candidate for that.
Best regards,
Reinhard Hohler, Chiang Mai
Wonderful tourism blog!