Hosting of ISPA Asia-Pacific Conference & Exhibition 2006 in Bangkok Strengthens Thailand’s Bid as Spa Hub of the Region

To further strengthen Thailand’s positioning as regional hub of the spa industry, the Ministry of Industry, Institute for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (ISMED), Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), Ministry of Public Health, Ministry of Tourism & Sports, Ministry of Commerce, and the International Spa Association today organized a press conference to announce Thailand’s hosting of the ISPA Asia-Pacific Conference & Exhibition 2006. Mr Chakkamon Phasukvanich, Permanent Secretary to Ministry of Industry & Chairman of the Executive Board of the Institute for Small and Medium Enterprises Development, was assigned by HE Suriya Jungrungreangkit, Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of Industry, to preside over the press conference held at Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel. The ISPA Asia-Pacific Conference & Exhibition 2006, with its theme of “The Best of the East”, is hosted by the Institute for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (ISMED) and Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) and is scheduled from 3-5 May 2006 at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center. The event is supported by Ministry of Public Health, Ministry of Tourism & Sports, Ministry of Commerce, Tourism Authority of Thailand, Thai Airways International Plc, Federation of Thai Spa and other related associations. Mr Chakkamon Phasukvanich, Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Industry, said “It is the government’s goal to enhance Thailand’s standings as a hub of spa in the Asia-Pacific due to the country’s many natural advantages in this area. The country’s spa facilities and services, along with the Thai people’s hospitality, are well known worldwide. Add to that Thailand’s long tradition in the use of herbs as medicine and cosmetics, and its expertise in providing Thai massage, and so it becomes very clear why Thailand should host this event.” “The government looks to the spa sector and related services as source of additional strengths for Thailand’s tourism industry. In the future, the spa and related sectors are also expected to export their products, and even services,” he said. In line with the government’s policy on this sector, the Ministry of Public Health will ensure to not only maintain this sector’s high service standards, but in improving it even further. The Ministry will cooperate with both government and private sectors for this purpose. The Ministry of Tourism and Sports will assist in the aspect of public relations activities and the holding of activities related to spa business. The Ministry will encourage delegates to the ISPA 2006 Asia-Pacific Conference & Exhibition to visit various spas here. The Ministry of Commerce will support activities that are related to exhibitions, and avail the sector to promote SMEs and OTOP products overseas. The Institute for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (ISMED) will be the main organization to co-ordinate all organizations and individuals involved in the event. It also plans to develop a specific curriculum for spa operators and their executives to assist them develop further their management capabilities, as well as their international networking skills. Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) will support in organizing of the conference, and in coordinating concerned organizations to promote and conduct activities aimed at further highlighting the conferences and exhibitions here and internationally. “Currently, there are 512 spas throughout Thailand that meet or excel international standards for their business. In 2004, the spa business generated approximately 7,255 million baht in revenue, and provided 3.2 million rendered services to customers, 80 percent of which are foreigners. More importantly spa business has an average growth rate of 20-30 percent annually,” Mr Chakkramon said. Prof Dr Thanet Norabhuoompipat, President of the Institute for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (ISMED), added “The holding of the ISPA 2006 Asia-Pacific Conference & Exhibition in Bangkok is an important step in heightening the awareness of spa operators in the potentials of their business. We believe the event would also be able to generate some 100 million baht in revenue. Mr Peerapong Oeusoonthornwattana, Director of Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) said, “Thailand is already a regional centre for various businesses and industries, as can be seen through the remarkable foreign investment in the country. Thailand’s hosting of the ISPA 2006 Asia-Pacific Conference & Exhibition will have an impact in strengthening further the country’s position as a spa hub, and will also have a favorable impact on Thailand’s trade, investment attractions and the economy as a whole. The whole exercise will also provide opportunities for Thailand spa operators to network with their colleagues from overseas attending the conference and exhibition, share knowledge and experience with them, and tap on the strengths of their international colleagues. This event could truly make spa operators here more competitive internationally. TCEB will invite some 150 delegates from the tourism and spa sectors in 20 countries to attend the conference and exhibition and meet with spa operators attending the event. During the press conference, the official website of the ISPA 2006 Asia-Pacific Conference & Exhibition at www.ispa2006thailand.com will be launched. For media inquiries, please contact: Kasemsri Kaewthammachai/Yuwadi Chombun Thanan Ativantanaporn/Krittaya Suwannawong Thana Burin Asia-Pacific Ltd Institute for Small and Medium Enterprises Development Tel: 02 231 6158-9 Tel: 02 564 4000 ext 6103, 6101 Mobile: 01 611 4696, 09 669 5286 Mobile: 01 372 6993 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Click for photo release at www.thaipr.net End.

• ข่าวMinistry of Industry
• ข่าวThailand Convention
• ข่าวConference
• ข่าวExhibition
• ข่าวo:event