Yes, Pattaya was once more in the international limelight - this time in
Chennai India. From October 19 - 25, Pattaya was represented by local
Skalleague Bob Lee in promoting our fair city’s tourism industry to the
world market.
(L
to R) The Thai delegates Malai Sakolvipak (from the Skal Club of Bangkok and
an international councilor for Skal Thailand), Robert de Graaf (president of
Skal Phuket - which will host the Asian Congress in 2005), Elmarie & Bob
Lee proudly represented Thailand.
Every year Skal International hosts a congress at an
interesting global destination. In 2002 it was Cairns, Australia and this
year it was Chennai. In 2004 the congress will be in Durban, South Africa,
2005 in Zagreb and in 2006 the 67th Congress to be held - yes, right here at
home in Pattaya.
Malai
Sakolvipak, Bob & Elmarie Lee with Mary Bennet, president of Skal
International 2002-03.
Annually, approximately 1,300 hospitality/tourism
professionals participate in these conferences. The host city prepares for
their arrival, attendance and enjoyment long before they reach the host
country. In fact things are already underway to make sure that Pattaya will
be a “Rocking Good Congress” which has so much to offer these important
tourism leaders. Pattaya expects in excess of 1,500 Skal members and their
guests during the 5-day seminar which will be held during October 2006. This
in turn relates to nearly 500,000,000 baht generated in tourism income - not
too shabby for 5 days!
We caught up with Bob Lee on his return from India to
question him on how he thinks we might stack up against other Skal
International Congresses that he has attended in the past. Here is what he
had to say:
“Well, we have everything to offer these VIP’s of the
industry. We have wonderful weather - and this plays a very important part
in the proceedings - the Thai baht (compared to other currencies), beautiful
and well-serviced hotel and restaurant establishments, the world renowned
Thai smile, exotic foods, unique culture, a first rate standard of service,
and the amazing sights, sounds and excitement of Pattaya speak for
themselves. Our wide range of souvenirs, clothing and other goodies that the
average visitor is always on the look out for, especially at our prices,
also make Pattaya a shopping paradise.
“As far comparisons are concerned? With the expertise
that we have available not only from the local Pattaya Skal members but also
those from Bangkok, Phuket, and the soon-to-be-registered Samui Club, I do
not foresee any problems whatsoever. I am convinced that we can put a great
show together. The clubs are close, well organized and the knowledge on tap
is abundant.
“This Congress gives our city and country the
opportunity of promoting ourselves to the rest of the world. Did you know
that there are 25,000 members in 525 clubs throughout 80 nations? This is
too big a market to ignore. Remember that these members are all in the
hospitality industry and hopefully, once we show them what Pattaya and other
parts of the country have to offer, they will go back as ‘unpaid
ambassadors’ for Thailand and promote us to their clients.
“With the interest of the government, the people and
the commercial sector we can really pull this off. In fact, it would be to
one’s own detriment if one didn’t jump on board. Let’s face it - there
will be approximately 1,500 visitors out there for 5 days who need to be
fed, bedded, entertained, transported and shown what we have to offer.
“Another great plus for us is that the new
International Airport will be operational by that time, so there will be no
long trek from Bangkok. What a pleasure!
“There is so much going on in the way of expansion and
construction in and around Pattaya City at the moment that by 2006, can you
imagine what we will have to offer then?”
And what about India?
Bob went on to say, “The Congress was well run, the
itinerary was full, interesting and well thought out. You know it’s a good
congress when you just flop into bed at night totally exhausted but
satisfied that a great day was had. The speakers were of an international
caliber, the entertainment, although a little too much in the way of Indian
culture, was astounding - but I suppose that’s my opinion only, as most of
the other delegates had not been to India before.
“The Skal Chennai Club of India must have done an
“APEC” before we arrived as the city was sparkling clean. No beggars to
be seen - very little ‘beef’ on the street. We were looked after and
transported to the various venues like royalty. Well done Chennai! You
deserve all the praise that was lauded upon you.”
And the interest in Pattaya for the 67th Congress?
Bob answered, “What can I say? Here comes that word
again - ‘amazing’! I managed to speak to over 90 percent of the
delegates (I am not a shy person), and honestly, after Skal Bangkok hosted a
previous Congress some years ago, a lot of delegates are already making
plans to come back for another visit in 2006.
“I felt quite proud when a number of participants
mentioned the positive changes that they had read about in various worldwide
publications and on the web regarding the fantastic “clean up”
operations that have been introduced and implemented in the Eastern Seaboard
- especially when it came to our beaches.
“Remember too, that Messrs. Malai Sakolvipak (from the
Skal Club of Bangkok and an international councilor for Skal Thailand) along
with Robert de Graaf (president of Skal Phuket - which will host the Asian
Congress in 2005) were also on hand in support of generating tourism to our
part of the globe.
“And it would be remiss if I did not thank and mention
the members of our local Pattaya Skal Charter for their show of support and
confidence in sending me to represent Thailand, Pattaya and the club at this
most important marketing event.
“Well, we did win the vote in 2002 - and the
international delegates who attended in Cairns did vote ‘with full force
and confidence’ that the congress return to Thailand and in particular to
Pattaya. In Cairns we were up against London! What a show the Skal
Pattaya/Thailand members put on then!
“Yes, I am very excited about the whole project. I have
been a resident here for only 5 years but the changes that I have seen in
our ‘Extreme City’ during this period have definitely been more positive
than negative. I certain that we can, and indeed will, continue to set even
higher goals in the future.
“So come on everybody. We invite you to join us and
prepare for a “Rockin’ good congress in Pattaya for Thailand 2006,”
Bob concluded.
For more information on Skal International or the local
Pattaya & East Thailand Club refer to the website www.skal pattaya.org
or email Bob Lee at bobscous@loxinfo .co.th
Bob will only be too happy to answer any questions that you may have and
send you further information.