UK-BASED tourist office directors from four leading southeast Asian destinations are set to leave their posts over the next six months.
Tourism Authority of Thailand director Sumonta Nakornthab is returning to TAT’s head office in Bangkok by next January at the latest, although her leaving date has not yet been finalised.
Nakornthab’s original four-year contract was extended for a fifth year last January. No replacement has been appointed so far.
Meanwhile, Singapore Tourist Board regional director Aaron Hung is leaving to become regional director for southeast Asia after three years in the UK. He will be replaced by Nicholas Kao, who is currently assistant director for regional tourism, based in Singapore, until mid-October.
Philippines Department of Tourism director Eduardo Jarque, who has been in his post for 12 years, is expected to leave before the end of the year. However, Jarque said he would be unable to confirm his plans until September.
Industry sources said Tourism Malaysia director Ahmad Zuhuri was also due to depart shortly following a five-year stint in the UK, but Zuhuri refused to confirm this.