BKK to host Rotary International 2012 convention
Rotary International has announced a plan to host the "Rotary International 2012" in Thailand during May 6-9, which could generate over Bt3 billion in revenue as over 38,000 participants are expected.
Pichai Rattakul, advisory chairman of the organising committee, said that Thailand is selected the meeting venue thanks to its status as a regional aviation hub, government's supporting policies to the MICE (Meeting, Incentive, Convention and Exhibition) market, as well as availability of required facilities.
The convention will take place at Impact, Muang Thong Thani, under "the Land of a Thousand Smiles" theme. Joining the troupe of speakers is Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus: Hugh Evans, CEO of Global Poverty Project; and Amanda Martin of the Global Health Access programme.
Noraset Pattamanund, chairman of the organising committee, thanked Tourism Authority of Thailand in preparing hotels and others for Rotarians who are expected to spend more time after the convention.
According to Akrapol Sorasuchart, director of Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), Rotary International agreed to host the convention in Bangkok thanks to the joint bid by TCEB and regional rotary offices in Thailand. TCEB also proposed a Bt270 million financial assistance to the convention.
In the bidding round, three cities - including Sydney and Kuala Lumpur - were in the final round.
TCEB this year expects the MICE market to attract 750,000 visitors, generating Bt60.12 billion in revenue.
"Hopefully, this convention would be a showcase of Thailand's readiness to host the World Expo 2020,' he said.
