World Expo chief visits bid sites

The Bureau of International Expositions general secretary, Vincente Gonzales Loscertales, visited Ayutthaya province, yesterday, to inspect the readiness of the province to bid for World Expo 2020.BIE general secretary, Vincente Gonzales Loscertales, said Thailand presented several advantages in the bid process including its food culture, history and tourism infrastructure.

However, he stated the real challenge was to communicate with local residents so they understood the benefit of hosting a global expo and ensuring the theme would interest both domestic and international tourists.Mr Loscertales said if Thailand was selected, the country would reap significant economic benefits, but he did not elaborate.Gauging government support for the event was also a key consideration for the BIE visit.

Regarding political uncertainties in Thailand, Mr Loscertales said he believed the situation would improve.“I don’t think the political situation will damage the expo project. I think the future of Thailand will be brighter in 2020,” he said.He will visit Chon Buri today and Chiang Mai on Friday to complete the survey.Last year, 4 million tourists visited Ayutthaya earning an estimated Bt5,000 million for the province, up 33.33% from 3 million people and a revenue of Bt3,500 million in 2009.

A committee, made up of representatives from five to seven countries, will inspect and consider the bids and announce the winner by 2013.According to Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau director, Chiang Mai has potential to stage an expo. It has 32,000 rooms and  Chiang Mai International Airport is undergoing expansion to be able to accommodate 8 million passengers a year, up from the current3 million capacity.

Source = ttrweekly