UNWTO to meet in Chiang Mai

Ministry of Tourism and Sports believes the United Nation World Tourism Organisation meeting in Chiang Mai, 3 to 5 May, will set the stage to brainstorming new tourism trends and lift North Thailand’s tourism profile.

Ministry spokesperson, Watchara Kannikar, said the 24th Joint Meeting UNWTO Commission for East Asia and the Pacific and UNWTO Commission for South Asia would be a good opportunity for tourism sector leaders to discuss tourism trends as well as create a positive image for Thailand.

Hosting the event will cost the ministry Bt8 million for the 250 delegates including five ministers and representatives from international tourism organisations.

“These guests have a strong business vision and could explore opportunities for Chiang Mai and Thailand in world tourism in the future.”

Green tourism and eco-tourism are expected to be highlights on the agenda.

“Part of the reason Chiang Mai was selected is because it has a variety of outdoor activities such as Ban Mae Kampong, Doi Suthep, the Chiang Mai Zoo and Aquarium and the Huai Hong Khrai Royal Development Study Centre,” the ministry spokesperson said.

The World Tourism Organisation hosted the 23th joint meeting in Colombo, Sri Lanka, March 2011.

UNWTO has 553 members, worldwide, breaking down into 154 countries and 399 tourism associations.

Source - ttrweekly