Thailand to increase convention capacity
by This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it on Sunday, 25 May 2008
Thailand is improving its meetings and transportation infrastructure in order to encourage more groups to host events outside of Bangkok.
Plans in the pipeline include a new convention centre in Chang Mai, in the North of Thailand, and an international exhibition and convention centre in Phuket in the South, according to Minister of Tourism and Sports, Weerasak Kowsurat.
"We are looking for more of the niche market, especially from the Middle East," he told MIME in an exclusive interview at the Arabian Travel Market last month (May 6-9).
"We as a government are building a new international convention centre in Chang Mai that will be funded entirely by the government's money.
"We also want to encourage the private sector to build an international exhibition and convention centre down in Phuket."
New infrastructure developments including a third runway at Suvarnabhumi Airport; a new line in Bangkok's subway system; and a monorail connecting the airport to the city centre are expected to increase accessibility and mobility within Thailand, making the destination more attractive to corporate visitors.
The government was seeking investors to develop a transportation system to carry commuters and visitors across the Gulf of Thailand to make it possible to get from one side of the Gulf to the other without having to journey through the bustling capital, Kowsurat explained.
Authorities were also seeking investors to build a "water sports complex" in the Gulf of Thailand", he added.
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