…
Excellencies,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Friends,
Sawasdee Kha!
Thank you Peter for that very kind introduction.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Welcome to PAC06 and welcome to Pattaya Thailand!
It is truly a delight to be here today, and see so many friends and business associates.
I hope, over the course of the next few days, you have an opportunity to not only learn about changing lifestyles, how they impact tourism products and how we must make these products sustainable.
But also, take this opportunity to make new friends and increase business contacts – share demonstrative tourism programs and of course, from a broader perspective, talk about new opportunities for Asia Pacific Travel and Tourism.
And while I know you will be very busy in seminars and workshops, I do hope you have an opportunity to see something of our wonderful seaside town of Pattaya.
It has taken a lot of hard work on the part of the local and national government, working hand and hand with the private sector, to make Pattaya what it is today – a true gem in Thailand’s treasure chest of tourism destinations.
In fact, during the first half of last year, the total number of tourists who traveled to Pattaya was 2.51 million – a 4.5 percent rise over the same period in 2004 – generating revenue worth 24.99 billion baht.
And not only foreign tourists visit this seashore playground. We are finding more and more Thai families vacationing here as well.
Also, exemplifying Pattaya’s importance in our treasure chest, is the role it plays in attracting MICE activities to our shores.
Of course you will experience this for yourself over the course of the next few days, as you utilize the world class facilities available here at PEACH.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
You visit our Kingdom at a very special time.
This year we celebrate the 60th anniversary of His Majesty, King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s accession to the throne, one of the most extraordinary reigns in world history. His Majesty is already the world’s longest reigning monarch.
Our Tourism Authority of Thailand and the Ministry of Tourism and Sports have put together a series of “Greatest Special Events”, featuring a celebration of music, culture and arts festivals, plus sports competitions, to be held nationwide all through the year.
We call these activities “Thailand Grand Invitation 2006”
These events honor the life and times of His Majesty, and all that he has done for the people of Thailand.
As a special treat for you this morning, we have a sample of our Grand Invitation, plus a Thank You for being with us during this special time.
Please enjoy this cultural performance. It has been a pleasure being here and I wish you a wonderful PAC06.
Thank you.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
