A Better Holiday

For nearly 20 years, Krabi Spesialisten has provided travellers with the experience of a lifetime in a responsible manner.

The company believes in minimising the negative social, environmental and economic impact tourism can have on local communities. Thailand is currently preparing to welcome tourists for the first time in nearly two years. Both the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration and Thai government have signed off on plans, although those within the travel sector aren’t yet sure how the situation will unfold.

Ms Ingeborg Fallet Kristensen, Krabi Spesialisten Managing Director, explained that her company was taking a wait-and-see approach. After so much uncertainty, the key is to be flexible. “We have created many plans because we just don’t know what will happen at the moment. Our hope is that people start to return in the coming months with the high season in 2022 being very strong. But we must be prepared for all other scenarios,” Ms Kristensen said.

Krabi Spesialisten Managing Director Ms Ingeborg Fallet Kristensen hopes tourism picks up in 2022

There may be some changes when visitors finally return en masse to the country’s popular destinations. But Krabi Spesialisten will continue to offer tourists an experience of a lifetime in Krabi, one of Thailand’s most beautiful getaways. “We like to think anything is possible. We can provide tailor-made holidays where you are cared for from the moment you step off the airplane to being boarded back on it,” Ms Kristensen reported. “Everything is taken care of including the small things you may not always consider. The difference between us and our competitors is that we look after of every last detail.”

Ms Kristensen’s journey in the hospitality industry inspired the vision for Krabi Spesialisten. Her first job in Thailand was at one of Phuket’s most well-known luxury resorts. The more she travelled around the Kingdom, the more she realised it was possible to combine five-star resort quality with a local feeling to offer visitors a once in a lifetime experience.

“It is important to offer visitors something unique. A trip where they can avoid the crowds and enjoy a holiday that has been personalised. Who wants to be in crowded places doing something everyone else is doing, especially in light of the current situation?” Ms Kristensen questioned. That being said, tourism can come at a price which is usually at the expense of the environment and local community. This plays an important role in guiding the services Krabi Spesialisten provides. “Mass tourism is obviously an issue in Thailand, but people don’t always give a lot of thought to it. We want to give back to Thailand and the local community since we are a part of it. This is something that other operators can lose sight of,” Ms Kristensen noted. “Sustainability factors into this as well. You have operators using plastic bottles or following other practices that aren’t sustainable. This is a huge issue that starts with education. We must teach everyone the need for sustainability.”

Being sustainable isn’t easy but Krabi Spesialisten recognises the hard work is what’s best for both the environment and guests. The travel provider has sought out partnerships to accomplish some of its sustainability goals. It is a member of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council and is close to becoming a certified Travelife agent. Additional partnerships with Starboard, Refill My Bottle and Trash Hero Ao Nang help create action at the grassroots level.

“Our partnerships allow us to do more. There are even some initiatives, such as using sunscreen that doesn’t damage coral reefs, that we implemented before they were widespread. And, of course, we still want to do more,” Ms Kristensen said. “Our hope is that one day we will see electric cars and boats in Krabi. It won’t happen overnight, but this is something we strive for.”

While work continues on environment and local community efforts, COVID-19 required Krabi Spesialisten to rethink other aspects of its business. The company used to be focused exclusively on overseas clients but pivoted to the domestic market during the pandemic. The results were very positive and it’s now exploring new opportunities.

“Currently, we are focusing on MICE opportunities in the educational and business sectors. For the former, there are many learning activities in Krabi with sustainable education being an area we hope to focus on,” Ms Kristensen stated. “As for business MICE opportunities, there really isn’t a better or more memorable place than Krabi for corporate retreats or company outings.”

TNCC Members can receive a 10 percent discount when booking directly with Krabi Spesialisten.

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