Thailand – as APEC 2022 host, through the Ministry of Tourism and Sports – organised a delightful Thai-themed gala dinner for delegates of the 11th APEC Tourism Ministerial Meeting and the 60th APEC Tourism Working Group Meeting to conclude the high-profile event that was held in Bangkok from 14-20 August, 2022.
The gala dinner took place on 19 August, 2022, at the spectacular NaiLert Park Heritage Home, which was first opened to the public in 1915 and which today is a Bangkok landmark rich in heritage and architectural splendour.
H.E. Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Tourism and Sports, said, “With the ‘Visit Thailand Year 2022: Amazing New Chapters’ campaign, we are moving towards more sustainable and value-oriented tourism to balance the Thai tourism sector in all dimensions and create meaningful and valuable travel experiences for all tourists. Thus, the gala dinner for the APEC delegates was purposely designed to showcase the kingdom’s soft-power foundations in the forms of Thai arts and culture, and the Regenerative Tourism concept that is leading Thailand’s tourism resurgence and in line with the Royal Thai Government’s Bio-Circular-Green or BCG Economy Model that conforms to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals or SDGs.”
The APEC delegates at the gala dinner were shown the beauty of the Thai way of life through the five senses, as they were able to sight the charming interiors and atmosphere of an over 100-year-old Thai house, including beautifully crafted flower-themed handicrafts; taste delicious Thai beverages and desserts that were made using community-grown raw materials and Thai craftsmanship passed down through the generations; scent the unique aromas of Thailand, which can be found in many elements of local community knowledge and lifestyles, such as from mango, bael tea, and cotton candy; hear the enchanting sound of beautiful Thai music played together with international music, and feel the friendly hospitality of the Thai people portrayed through a traditional puppet show.
The gala dinner featured cuisine, performances, and music of the Central, Southern, Northeastern, and Northern regions of Thailand together presenting a meaningful and memorable ‘Thainess’ experience for the APEC delegates.
From the Central region, this was in the form of a Thai boxing art show, the story of the local way of life by the river, and songs by the SuanPlu Chorus; from the Southern region, it was the beauty of the seaside destinations, seafood and fish dishes, and live music by Nutty Natchaya and the Melodic Corner band; from the Northeastern region, it was the ‘Isan’ Spirit Fashion Show that presented a fusion of contemporary Isan textiles and sustainable design, and from the Northern region, it was the Lanna cultural show and signature desserts.
“The hosting of the APEC Tourism 2022 meetings over the course of a week presented an opportunity for Thailand to showcase the potential and readiness of the Thai tourism sector, as well as to seek cooperation from APEC member economies towards ‘rebuilding high value tourism industry with resilience, sustainability and inclusive growth’, in accordance with the third edition of Thailand’s National Tourism Development Plan for 2023 to 2027,” Mr. Phiphat concluded. (TAT)
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