Jim Power, secretary general for Skål International
was the guest speaker at this month’s meeting for the Skål Club of
Pattaya and East Thailand. The secretary general was in Thailand for the
convention of the International Federation of Women’s Travel
Organizations in Bangkok last week, when he was whisked away to be the
guest speaker for the monthly meeting of the local Skål Club of Pattaya
and East Thailand at the Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya.
Pattaya’s bid for the Skål World Congress was on
everyone’s mind at this month’s meeting. Skål Club of Pattaya and
East Thailand vice president, Peter Malhotra welcomed Jim to the meeting,
saying that Pattaya’s bid for the World Congress was the most historic
moment in the annals of the club since its inception in 1984, and its
re-activation just a couple of years ago. He said that since the club was
first started, Pattaya has grown and is still growing comparable to any
resort city in the world.
Skๅlleauges
from the Skål Club of Pattaya and East Thailand presented Jim Power
(center) with a token of appreciation for his encouragement and support
for Pattaya’s bid to host the Skål World Congress in 2006.
In support of Pattaya’s bid, Peter went on to say,
“Anyone who has been to Europe in November knows how bitterly cold it
can be. It would be much better to spend that time of year in sunny
Pattaya.”
The executive committee for
Skål
Pattaya and East Thailand made the decision to visit the upcoming 31st
Skål
Asian Area Assembly, being held in Manila this weekend, in an effort to
heighten Pattaya’s chances of holding the 2006 World Congress. They hope
that their efforts to promote Pattaya will bring further support from
other clubs in the Asian region when the final decision is made in
November at this year’s World Congress in Cairns, Australia.
After
this month’s meeting for the Skål Club of Pattaya and East Thailand,
held at the Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya, Andrew Khoo (right) invited Jim Power
to sign the ‘star guitar’ for all future skålleauges visiting
Pattaya.
After arriving in Pattaya, Jim Power was given an
exclusive VIP tour of the Pattaya Exhibition And Convention Hall (PEACH),
where the congress would be held if Pattaya is elected to hold the
congress. The congress would bring some 2,000 to 3,000 travel executives
from around the world to our fair city.
During his speech to
Skål
members, Jim said, “You certainly have the weather and the people, the
beautiful gentle people of Thailand who make everybody feel welcome. Plus
the magnificent flowers and customs that you have here…”
Jim
Power, Secretary General of Skål International, told members at this
month’s meeting for the Skål Club of Pattaya and East Thailand,
“Skål International is very happy to have Pattaya back again. I wish
you good luck, I will help, as I will help London, and wish you success,
not just as a club but for the convention.”
This is certainly a plus as the main question all
attendees and of course the executive committee for
Skål
International will have is: do they want to go back to Europe in 2006
after Zagreb/Dubrovnik, located in Croatia in 2005 and Durban, South
Africa in 2004?
Jim added, “Our research has shown that a warm
weather destination can make a difference of up to 300 people attending a
congress. That’s a plus on our side and that’s something we have to
think about. As an international organization in over 84 countries, we
have to be fair to those 84 countries.”
Currently there are over 25,000 members worldwide,
making
Skål
the largest networking opportunity in the world for not just hotels and
travel agents but also for all those involved in the tourism and travel
industry. With the support of the local and provincial administrations,
and the Tourism Authority of Thailand, rest assured that Pattaya is ready
for its bid. If successful, it will not only benefit Pattaya but also
Thailand and
Skål
as an international organization.
This year’s Congress in Cairns will also see the
introduction of an eco-tourism award, still a relatively new market in
Thailand; however, this type of tourism is on the increase and with more
environmental awareness being promoted within Thailand and around the
world, the possibilities are boundless, particularly with such a diverse
range of ecological regions as are here in Thailand, under the guidance of
His Majesty the King. These projects should be presented for awards in
Cairns, and even if Thailand doesn’t win, it will receive much needed
recognition in the travel industry, yet another facet in the overall
scheme of tourism promotion in the Land of Smiles.
Jim
Power (2nd
left), the Secretary General of Skål International, recently toured the
Royal Cliff Beach Resort and PEACH (Pattaya Exhibition And Convention
Hall), and gave his support for Pattaya’s bid to host the Skål World
Congress in 2006. Ross Ferguson (left), resident manager of PEACH, Nick
Bauer (2nd
right), resident manager of the Royal Wing and Spa, and Patty D’Cruz,
director of sales for PEACH gave him the VIP tour.
The secretary general concluded, “The most important
thing you are required to do now is to have a strong delegation from
Thailand, and in particular Pattaya, in Cairns. This is where the decision
will be made; it is the people on the floor of the general assembly who
decide. There will be 300 to 400 clubs on the floor. You need lots of
sales managers and salespersons to tell the delegation that Pattaya is the
right place to go. Get in the eyes, ears and minds of the people who are
on the floor.”
“Skๅl International is very happy to have
Pattaya back again. I wish you good luck, I will help, as I will help
London, and wish you success, not just as a club but for the
convention.”
Following a round of applause, Jim Power was presented
with gifts of appreciation from the Dusit Resort Pattaya and the
Skål
Club. After which, Andrew Khoo invited Jim to sign the ‘star guitar’
for all future skålleauges visiting Pattaya before returning to Bangkok.
Another success for Pattaya? D-Day is November 6th,
lets get organized, now! For more information on
Skål
International visit their website www.skal.org or come along to the next
meeting on June 20th at the Blue Lagoon Watersports
Club, Na Jomtien.
Convention
halls at PEACH can accommodate thousands of conventioners, and use the
most modern high-tech equipment.
The
Skål Club of Pattaya and East Thailand is ready to do battle with
London for the good of Skål International, plus Thailand in general
and Pattaya in particular.
The
2006 Skål World Congress will be a very important event for
Pattaya. If we are fortunate enough to win the bid (and we are going
to work very hard to do just that) Pattaya will come to the
attention of most of the important travel executives in the world.
At last, Pattaya will receive the recognition it truly deserves as
one of the top tourist destinations in Asia. We have been assured by
most of the Pattaya hotel and travel and tourism operators of 100%
cooperation as well as TAT’s full attention. All we have to do is
“get ‘em here.” Once here, we are sure that Pattaya will open
its arms with typical Thai hospitality and our mission will be
accomplished. This will surely be a milestone for Pattaya. In
addition, 2006 will be the 50th anniversary of the
Skål
movement in Thailand, adding that much fuel to the fire for a good
reason to make Pattaya the site of the 2006 World Congress. Wish us
luck!
Thailand
is recognized as one of the most favoured destinations in the Asia
Pacific. Our country is blessed with all ingredients, which makes
for a destination of choice for travelers. Apart from the convenient
accessibility, the supporting facilities for large international
conventions are quite extensive and will meet the most demanding of
requirements. Delegates will enjoy the scenic attractions, our
legendary hospitality, our renowned cuisine and amazing crafts. We
can rightfully claim that Thailand is among the most vibrant and
exciting countries to visit.
