City expects New Year’s festival to generate 500 million baht
A scene
from last year’s epic event.
Pratchaya Kerdthong
Government officials expect the week-long Pattaya
Countdown to 2011 New Year’s festival that begins Christmas Day to
generate more than 500 million baht for the city.
Sponsored by the city, Chonburi Administrative
Organization and Tourism Authority of Thailand, the 30 million baht
extravaganza will feature nightly fireworks and musical performances
from GMM Grammy recording artists, food, drink and more than 300
shopping booths.
The New Year’s Eve finale at Bali Hai Pier will be
broadcast from 10:30 p.m. until 1:30 a.m. by Channel 9 nationally and by
the Ministry of Communications and Technology across Asia.
Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome said this year’s Pattaya
Countdown carries the theme of “A Celebration of the Monarchy” to honor
HM the King as he begins his 84th year.
TAT Pattaya Director Niti Kongkrut said hotel
bookings are already at 80 percent for December and January and that the
festival will help rebuild the city’s tourism industry. High and low
season promotions will be advertised heavily during the week-long
celebration, he said.