Bangkok – 7 November, 2014 – Roughly 1,200 members of National Olympic Committees from around the world is meeting in Bangkok for their annual General Assembly between 5-8 November, 2014. To be hosted by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports (MoTS), the event presents Thailand with a major opportunity to revive the meetings and conference sector.
According to Tourism and Sports Minister, Mrs. Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, the conference is a prime example of the linkage between tourism and sports, especially the Olympics which attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors to host destinations and has a worldwide TV viewership in the millions.
The Temple of the Emerald Buddha and the Grand Palace is the most visited attraction in Bangkok, and is scheduled to be among the places to visit by delegates attending the General Assembly of the National Olympic Committees
The Temple of the Emerald Buddha and the Grand Palace is the most visited attraction in Bangkok, and is scheduled to be among the places to visit by delegates attending the General Assembly of the National Olympic Committees.
The Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) is the umbrella organisation responsible for advancing the interests of the world’s National Olympic Committees (NOCs) and supporting the promotion of Olympic values worldwide. The number of NOCs now stands at 204 in 5 continents.
The General Assembly is the supreme governing body of the Association, and convenes once a year. All 204 NOCs participate to discuss issues related to the organisation of the Olympics, to be next held in Rio de Janeiro in 2016, as well as bids to host future Olympics.
Wat Pho, Bangkok
The main General Assembly is at the Centara Grand at CentralWorld. Led by Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT), the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and other organisations including the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA) joined hands for the meeting support with the integrated cooperation between public and private sectors. A comprehensive tour programme to showcase Thai culture and traditions is organised by ATTA through coordination with TAT.
Delegates will visit Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Wat Mahathat and the Ayothaya Floating Market in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya; Wat Benchamabophit (The Marble Temple), Wat Pho and Royal Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok. They will also have the option of visiting a number of sports stadiums in the capital.
Wat Mahathat, Ayutthaya Historical Park
SAT also will organise a cultural performance at the reception at the Royal Thai Navy Hall on 7 November, 2014. Guests will get a chance to see live demonstrations of Thai arts and crafts and experience a brief Thai spa massage.
Mrs. Kobkarn said, “The General Assembly will bring together Olympic VIPs from around the world, as well as many media representatives. Thailand is honoured to be hosting this important event. We have made the possible arrangements to ensure the delegates and accompanying persons have a productive and memorable stay in Thailand.”
“Sports and tourism are now becoming increasingly inter-linked. Thailand has hosted numerous important sports events over the years, especially the Asian Games. We hope that one of the fastest growing sports, Muay Thai boxing, will also become a mainstream Olympic competitive event one day.”
She also urged delegates to spend a day at some of Thailand’s world-class golf courses, many of which are within easy driving distance from Bangkok.
