Phuket to host Asian Hospitality & Travel Show in October

PHUKET: Events Thailand team and Skal Phuket are combining talents to stage the inaugural ‘Asian Hospitality & Travel Show’ at the Central Festival Phuket Convention and Exhibition Center from October 1 to 3.

“The exhibition is geared towards becoming a platform for networking between suppliers within the Asian Hospitality and travel sectors,” said Events Thailand committee member Simon Samaan, who is also Membership Director of SKAL International.

With more than 100 exhibitors, business appointments, seminars, networking meetings, competitions and demonstrations, prize giveaways and a job club, the exhibition is primarily a trade event, but also provides an element of fun and relationship building exercises to make the event as accessible and enjoyable as possible,” said Mr Samaan.

The expo is expected to attract more than 2,000 visitors in its first year.

Exhibitors will be able to showcase their products and services to decision makers within the industry, meet new suppliers and keep up with the latest trends in the industry.

Although four months away, the expo is already gaining momentum and a steady flow of exhibitors are signing up for the 100 available booths, co-organizer Jorge de la Torre explained.

“With 25,000 members in more than 500 clubs in more than 80 countries, Skal International is the biggest association of hospitality and travel professionals. Skal’s International Secretary [Jim Power] has endorsed the event as well as Skal Asia. Both will be promoting the event at various club meetings, through their respective websites, monthly events and so on, from this week and thereafter,” Mr de la Torre added.

Included as networking meetings will be the closing party as well as sponsored cocktail nights on October 1 and 2.

Of the activities included in the expo format, a ‘Job Club’ is expected to provide direct, immediate benefits for both prospective employers and qualified job-seekers. A dedicated booth at the expo will feature two sections: one with job-seekers’ CVs, the other details of positions vacant.

It wouldn’t be a hospitality expo on Phuket without a variety of competitions and demonstrations for local hotels and their staff to show off their skills.

On the agenda are ice, vegetable and fruit carving; a Best Thai Dish and a Best Western Dish cooking contest; a barista “brew-off”, a bartender and cocktail mixing competition, a “blind wine tasting” and a Miss Asian Hospitality & Travel Show beauty pageant.

The Phuket Gazette and PGTV are the media sponsors for this event.

To take part call Simon (084-768 0536) or Jorge (089-725 6994) or email info@eventsthailand.net or visit: www.eventsthailand.net

Bookings close August 31, with a 10% discount on registrations paid before July 1. Skal members also receive a 10% discount.