The International Festivals and Events Association (IFEA) has selected Chiang Mai as one of the five ‘World Festival and Event Cities’ for 2022.
Chiang Mai, along with five other cities worldwide, received the title at the 65th Annual IFEA Convention, Expo & Retreat.
Chiang Mai deputy governor Worayarn Boonyanarat and Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) northern division director Jutha Tharachai represented the city during the convention, which was held in McAllen, Texas, from September 19-21, 2022.
According to the deputy governor, IFEA chose Chiang Mai as one of the five cities because it meets the criteria of being able to stage events in close collaboration with local partners, as well as serve as a role model for how to utilize events and festivals to promote the economy. The city also met the requirements for managing Covid-19, which was introduced as an additional factor by IFEA this year.
The northern division director of TCEB stated that TCEB and the Visit Lanna Association would work with all sectors to showcase the province as an ‘outstanding destination’ for international events through soft power.
Aside from Chiang Mai, the four other cities chosen are Jinju (South Korea), Penghu County (Taiwan), McAllen (Texas, United States), and Philadelphia (Pennsylvania, United States). (NNT)