SKÅL INTERNATIONAL THAILAND ANNOUNCES ITS ANNUAL FORUM 2024 IN CHIANG MAI, THAILAND November 29 – December 2
‘Embracing the Future of Tourism Together’ introduces a new format in 3-days of networking, inspiring and engaging panels and cultural events
[Chiang Mai, Thailand – August 8, 2024] – SKÅL International Thailand has announced the dates for its ‘new format’ Annual Forum which will take place over three days November 29th to December 2nd at the Movenpick Suriwongse Hotel in Chiang Mai, Thailand’s cultural capital.
SKÅL Thailand is the national chapter of the global travel and tourism organisation SKÅL International [skal.org] the world's largest network of travel and tourism professionals operating since 1934 and with 12,000+ members across 78 countries. There are currently 5 clubs in Thailand: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Koh Samui and Krabi with around 200 members.
New Format with Panel Discussions on AI and other trending travel topics
Aside from social events and networking opportunities, this year’s event will feature a programme of panel discussion designed to offer an element of professional development for attendees. Topics will include ‘AI’s Impact on Travel and Tourism, and the Future,’ as well as trending issues such as ‘Focus on Food in Travel’ and ‘Wellness Now a Major Force in Global Tourism.’ [See below for more details about each panel.]
Underscoring the SKÅL International mission of ‘Doing Business Among Friends’ and promoting friendship, the event will be a 50/50 mix of business focused sessions and social events, which will highlight the cultural attractions of Chiang Mai, as well as opportunities to meet with fellow SKÅL members in Thailand and from overseas.
And in the SKÅL spirit of giving back to the community, the Annual Forum will dedicate a part of its 3-day programme to ‘World AIDS Day’ which falls on Sunday, December 1st with a visit and gesture of support to Chiang Mai’s AGAPE – a local organisation caring for children with the disease.
This annual event is a fantastic opportunity for members to reach out to a wider audience, said James Thurlby, President of SKÅL Thailand, “as well as a chance to connect or reconnect with colleagues and friends from other clubs. I am also confident that our new format will bring something relevant and useful to attendees, helping them to keep abreast of current issues and trends impacting the travel and tourism sector.”
Forum Packages:
A choice of packages to attend the three-day conference is now available, including Forum Programme Only, or Forum & Hotel Accommodation @ Movenpick Suriwongse Chiang Mai. For more information about the SKÅL International Annual Forum 2024, email: forum@skalthailand.com
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Editor’s Notes:
Panels | An Introduction
‘AI’s Impact on Travel and Tourism, and the Future’
An introduction to what AI tools are currently making an impact in the travel and tourism sector. Some working examples of how these are benefiting hotels and travel, and the consumer, and what we can expect in the future!
The panel will welcome a group of experienced and authoritative speakers to expound on their knowledge and insights and share their thoughts and ideas as to how we can capitalize on these opportunities.
‘Focus on Food in Travel’
An explosion of food and travel programmes on TV and the Internet has heightened global interest in food as part of the travel experience, as we watch our favourite movie, TV and social media personalities eat their way around the world, taking us with them on their journeys.
In this session, we talk to a panel of well-known and experienced chefs, restaurateurs, TV personalities and authors about how the popularity of food in travel has come about, and how we can capitalize on this trend by getting noticed by food and beverage loving travellers.
‘Wellness Now a Major Force in Global Tourism.’
No longer just synonymous with a massage, yoga or a healthy eating regime, the latest trends in wellness shaping the way we travel encompass the concept of satisfying both the body and soul in what is being called mindful travel. Destinations and places that prioritize well-being are gaining in popularity, from meditation retreats in serene mountains to yoga getaways on pristine beaches to picturesque mountain hikes, provide the perfect backdrop for introspection and relaxation.
In this session, we talk to a panel of health and wellness consultants, resort operators and journalists about the fast-evolving wellness market, and how we can tailor our offering to capitalize on these new self-care trends.