Skål And Pata Unite To Promote Phuket Tourism

Skål and PATA unite to promote Phuket tourism

PHUKET, 21 September, 2011 - Skål International Phuket and South Thailand and the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Thailand Chapter are launching a new era of tourism cooperation with local government and Phuket’s travel trade to aggressively promote the destination.

The first-ever joint Skål and PATA in Phuket event will be held at the Movenpick Resort & Spa Karon Beach on Saturday 24 September starting from 5:30PM.

Travel and tourism industry leaders are invited to join this meet and great opportunity to learn how membership in these prestigious associations can benefit their travel businesses in Phuket. The cocktail and dinner event is quickly selling out; interested individuals can book a reservation and find additional information at http://skalphuket.org/ and www.pata-thailand.org .

The evening will include a brief introduction to both associations by leading members of Thailand’s tourism industry including Asian Trails CEO Mr Luzi Matzig, PATA Director of Chapter Development Ms Ben Mongomery, HotelTravel.com Founder & CEO Mr Blair Speers, Skål International Phuket and South Thailand President Ms Blandine Cressard and PATA Thailand Chapter Chairman Mr Bert van Walbeek.

Confirmed guests include Royal Thai Government Phuket MP Ms Anchalee Vanich Tephabutra, Korean Honorary Consulate Mr Tosaporn Tephabutra and PATA Head Office CEO Mr Bill Calderwood.

According to Mr Calderwood, since the Chapter meeting in Beijing in April this year, the emphasis of the changes at PATA had been to rebuild respect for the PATA brand; redefine who we are and what we do; define PATA’s strengths and comparative advantages; emphasize the association’s unique network; and to focus on business development as well as advocating policies. The whole objective was to make PATA leaner, stronger and more relevant.

"It was imperative for PATA to have more outreach. The chapter movement now had 'great traction' with 39 Chapters globally, up from 37 last year. There were promising new chapter developments in the pipeline in China, Myanmar and Phuket," Mr Calderwood, said.

Other confirmed Thai tourism stake holders include Phuket Tourism Association Vice President Mr Bhuritt Maswongssa, Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Phuket Ms Bangornrat Shinaprayoon, Director of Ministry of Sports and Tourism Phuket Mr Baoyun Suwanmanee, British Honorary Consulate Mr Martin Carpenter (MBE) and German Honorary Consulate Mr Dirk Naumann.

Skål International Phuket and South Thailand President, Ms Blandine Cressard, said: “Skål International Phuket members' knowledge of the local market, tourism trends and understanding of current issues impacting the industry adds value to this joint event. We look forward to working with the PATA Thailand Chapter with the common goal of promoting tourism to Phuket and Thailand.

“There is always strength in numbers and Skål International has a database of over 20,000 members worldwide, “she added.

“PATA and Skål work closely together in Bangkok and our joint event in Phuket on 24 September will allow us to explore new ways to deepen collaboration.” said PATA Thailand Chapter Chairman Mr Bert van Walbeek.

“Both organisations seek to promote Thailand as a successful long term tourism destination. The expertise in PATA and Skål should be used to protect and enhance Phuket’s brand reputation. During the meeting senior PATA Thailand Chapter and PATA Head Office executives will explain the benefits of chapter membership.”

This joint Skål International Phuket and South Thailand and PATA Thailand Chapter dinner event is sponsored by the Wine Connection Phuket and HotelTravel.com. Are you a travel industry professional based in Phuket and interested in attending the event or need more information? Contact Mr Arnupab Satakorn on Arnupab [at] PATA-Thailand.org.

-- 2011-09-21