Phuket to host huge medical tourism conference in ’09

PHUKET: In September 2009, Phuket will host more than 1,200 delegates of The World Medical Health Tourism Conference: A New Way Forward in 2009, Karon-based event organizers SOS Medical Tourism Services have announced.

Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB)’s participation and sponsorship of the event aims to promote Thailand as a destination for medical tourism, as well as for international meetings, conventions, exhibitions and conferences.

Thai Airways is also sponsoring the event, which is now beginning its international marketing campaign. Some major speakers were recently secured, both through a “call for papers” and by special invitation.

Local supporters range from community groups, tourism operators and resorts, including the Woraburi Phuket Resort, Millennium Resort Patong, The Moevenpick Resort, Karon Beach Resort of Kata Group, Aquamarine Resort, Cape Panwa Hotel and the Andaman Seaview Hotel group.

The organizers expect the event to cement Phuket’s reputation as “medical hub of Asia” as well as a prime destination for health and wellness services in Thailand.

Event activities will be based at the Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort & Spa where the formal conference will run for three days, though many pre-conference and post-conference activities are being planned.

The event is expected to bring a windfall to Phuket of about US$10 million over the two-week period.

For more information about the conference, visit: www.sosmedicaltourism.com