Tourism
Pioneering Spiritual Tourism: The Rise of Hong Kong 'Mutelu' Travel
Khaosod Online reports on the evolution of Hong Kong spiritual tourism, highlighting the role of industry veteran Ratchakon Phandasuwann in shaping the 'Mutelu' travel trend for Thai visitors.
According to a report by Khaosod Online, the landscape of spiritual tourism in Hong Kong has been significantly influenced by Ratchakon Phandasuwann, known as 'Hong Hao Tata,' the head of Rich World Wholesale Co., Ltd. With over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, Ratchakon has transitioned from a tour guide to a major tour operator, currently managing over 300 groups traveling to Hong Kong each month.
Throughout her career, Ratchakon has collaborated with various fortune tellers and masters, facilitating access to sacred sites that have since become popular destinations for Thai tourists. The report notes that Ratchakon was instrumental in establishing these routes, despite having been a skeptic earlier in her career. She now advocates for a 'conscious' approach to spiritual tourism, emphasizing a balanced perspective as the industry enters the 'Period 9' era of Feng Shui.
For travelers and residents interested in this niche, the report underscores how these spiritual routes have become a staple of the Hong Kong travel experience for Thai nationals. While the influence of these tours on local tourism patterns is well-documented, the long-term impact of this 'conscious' spiritual travel trend on the broader tourism market remains to be seen as the industry continues to evolve.