REPORT – 55th PATA CONFERENCE – THAILAND: Thailand is to host the 67th Skal World Congress in 2006 in Pattaya. The convention, which attracts about 2,000 senior executives of the travel and tourism industry, will be…
REPORT – 55th PATA CONFERENCE – THAILAND: Thailand is to host the 67th Skal World Congress in 2006 in Pattaya. The convention, which attracts about 2,000 senior executives of the travel and tourism industry, will be held between 15-20 October 2006, at the Pattaya Exhibition and Convention Hall (PEACH).
Founded in 1932, Skal is a professional organisation of industry leaders dedicated to the promotion of global tourism and friendship. Meeting at their annual congress in Cairns in early November, the ‘Skalleagues’ voted 124 in favour of Thailand for their 2006 Congress, beating out 71 votes for London. Thailand last hosted this high-profile event in 1996 in Bangkok.
Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Governor Mrs. Juthamas Siriwan said, “This further cements Thailand`s position as a major destination for conventions and incentives. We are particularly happy to see our provincial beach resorts get more active and involved in attracting conventions to Thailand.”
President of Skal International Thailand Mr. Malai Sakolviphak said, “We bid for the Skal World Congress in 2006 because it coincides with the 50th Anniversary of the founding of the Skal Club of Bangkok. We are pleased to have the opportunity to share this special occasion with our Skalleagues worldwide.”
Thai Airways International, the official carrier for the Skal World Congress 2006, will offer delegates 75% off full normal economy class and 50% off full normal business class fares. Accompanying persons will be charged 50% off full normal economy and business class fares.
Pattaya was Thailand’s first beach resort to attract international visitors. It has grown over the last three decades from a small fishing village into a world famous resort city.
Easy accessible from Bangkok by a fast, modern motorway, it boasts a world-class convention centre, a wide range of accommodation options, over 300 restaurants, three large, modern shopping malls and a broad range of activities from water sports to go-kart racing.
A wide range of tours feature visits to temples, orchid plantations, elephant camps, cultural shows, a tiger reserve, sapphire mines, waterfalls and offshore islands. Twelve golf courses, including some of the best in Thailand, are all within a short drive from Pattaya.
Skal International today has about 25,000 members in more than 525 clubs throughout 80 nations. Its members meet at local, national, regional and international levels.
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