Amadeus, a leading global travel technology provider, hosted the Amadeus Travel Trends Briefing 2026 in Bangkok in a setting filled with rich exchanges among travel experts, media, and partner organisations interested in the future of the industry. The event not only presented the latest travel trends across the Asia–Pacific region but also highlighted the vital role of businesses committed to creating meaningful social impact alongside organisational growth.
Today, the global tourism sector is entering an era in which sustainability has become central to its progress. Leading organisations such as Amadeus, therefore, prioritise continuous development of social programmes—promoting access to digital skills for all, preparing individuals for careers in the tourism industry, and supporting local communities as destinations that can grow while conserving the environment. Work under this concept is made possible through close collaboration between the private sector and NGOs in various areas, enabling tangible and scalable outcomes.
One outstanding example of such collaboration is the joint effort between World Vision Foundation of Thailand, the Spanish-Thai Chamber of Commerce, and Bangkok Women’s Network to strengthen the capacity of women in remote communities, particularly in Ban Yang Pao, Omkoi District, Chiang Mai Province.
Thanawadee Onginsea, Donor Relationship Manager at World Vision Foundation of Thailand, spoke about key lessons learnt from over 52 years of the organisation’s community work: “When we empower women to lead social development, it creates greater impact for their households and communities. Women are more likely to earn income to support their children’s education and maintain proper family nutrition. Our close engagement with communities for over 52 years has affirmed our belief that empowering women enables communities to grow in a more sustainable direction.”
The strength of women in the community is reflected clearly through the LIFE Project, which aims to equip women and girls in Ban Yang Pao—located over 1,000 metres above sea level—with livelihood skills, resources, and income opportunities. The project has created learning spaces for handicrafts and weaving, developing the community centre into a vocational training hub and a welcoming area for visitors. It has become a place where women can proudly earn supplementary income from their craftsmanship.
At the same time, food security—an essential foundation of community life—has been strengthened through the distribution of seeds and agricultural training for families, schools, and childcare centres. This support ensures access to safe food sources, reduces household expenses, and enhances long-term stability for families.
Maria Catany Canellas, Legal Counsel Senior Specialist at Amadeus and Vice-President of the Spanish-Thai Chamber of Commerce, highlighted the crucial role of partner networks in driving the Ban Yang Pao project towards concrete results.
She noted that the Bangkok Women’s Network has helped secure strong support from Amadeus employees through various fundraising activities, ensuring that project activities truly address the community’s needs. Meanwhile, the Spanish-Thai Chamber of Commerce has contributed to the project’s continuity and credibility in the long term.
“What we have achieved in Ban Yang Pao comes from the combined efforts of every organisation involved, including World Vision Foundation of Thailand, The commitment of the Spanish-Thai Chamber of Commerce’s leadership has ensured that the project continues—not merely as a one-off activity but as a community development effort that truly creates sustainable impact.” Maria said.
The collaboration between World Vision Foundation of Thailand and a global business like Amadeus, together with the Spanish-Thai Chamber of Commerce, demonstrates that when organisations with diverse expertise work together, women in remote communities can access opportunities they have never had before—from vocational skills and income generation to household food security. The LIFE Project in Ban Yang Pao is a strong example of the transformative power of women’s development driven by partnership, and it reinforces the vital role of World Vision Foundation of Thailand in creating meaningful, sustainable change for communities across Thailand.
