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It’s official! Skål International Chiang Mai and North Thailand reactivated

What’s new in Asia Pacific for the Summer Months?

It’s official! Skål International Chiang Mai and North Thailand reactivated

Michael Vogt

The Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi Resort was the venue for the third meeting of Chiang Mai’s Skål Club, with yet again an increased number of members and visitors in attendance. Skål is a professional organization of tourism leaders around the world, promoting global tourism and friendship. It is the only international group uniting all branches of the travel and tourism industry, with currently over 25,000 members in over 525 Clubs throughout 80 nations.

The third meeting of the local Skål Club brought 37 members and visitors together.

After the participants had been duly wined, courtesy of President Sun Subsaeng, Managing Director of the Mandarin Oriental, the guests were seated and informed about various issues pertaining to the fine-tuning of the Chiang Mai branch. Just a few months ago, and mainly initiated by David Thomas, national committee member, sufficient interest and membership was raised throughout the North of Thailand, so that the, until then dormant, Skål Club could formally be reactivated and rejuvenated. The Club is mainly to be used as a networking platform, to meet new friends, colleagues and business associates. It is not only planned to have regular guest speakers, but meetings will also be held outside Chiang Mai, as the local Clubs’ boundaries embrace the complete Northern region of Thailand. It was therefore already agreed to hold the July Meeting in Chiang Rai.

(From left) Chitra Klanprayoon, Ban Sabai Spa; Somrit “Paul” Haikam, Pacific World; Angele Liu and Somok Inthavong, both from Dusit D2 Hotel; Anchalee Kalmapijit, Maesa elephant camp; and Sureetip Guntawong, Number One Tours.

Guest speaker this time was one of Skål’s own members, Shane Beary from Track of the Tiger, who gave an interesting executive summary on how to redevelop and reposition Chiang Mai for tourism. From the establishment of a River Ping Market, and the relocation of tourism related businesses thereto, from visions about park and ride stations to the re-development of the downtown areas, Shane brought up a number of interesting scenarios for an arguably improved Arts and Craft Center of the Greater Mekong Sub region and especially in Chiang Mai. After a Q and A session, President Sun thanked Shane on behalf of the Club, and the participants continued to enjoy each others company, fellowship and networking.

Skål International Chiang Mai’s President Sun Subsaeng presenting guest speaker Shane Beary, Track of the Tiger, with a token of appreciation.

The next Meeting of Skål International Chiang Mai & North Thailand will be held on Thursday, June 30, at the Four Seasons Resort in Mae Rim, Chiang Mai. If you are interested to learn more about the organization, please feel free to email the Club’s Secretary Eleanor Hardy through gm @chedi-chiangmai.com, or give her a call on 0 5325 3333.

What’s new in Asia Pacific for the Summer Months?

Pata

Travel news and product updates

Lonely Planet has launched the Lonely Planet shoestring photo competition. Contestants can send in their most innovative and diverse travel photos taken while using a shoestring guide, and have the chance to win a round-the-world trip. Entrants must submit two photos of themselves holding their Lonely Planet shoestring guide traveling somewhere described in it. Enter at www.lonely planet.com/photo or via entry forms inserted in all shoestring books for sale in the region. For further information e-mail: sarah.wintle@ lonelyplanet.com.au

Central Hotels and Resorts is offering an “In Love with Chiang Rai” package at Central River House Resort, Chiang Rai.

Fall in Love with Chiang Rai

Central Hotels and Resorts is offering an “In Love with Chiang Rai” package at Central River House Resort, Chiang Rai. The package includes two nights in deluxe or junior suite accommodation, daily American breakfast, romantic dinner for two with a bottle of wine, round-trip airport transfers and His-and-Hers 90 minute a la carte spa treatments. A deluxe room is priced at US$318++ and a Junior Suite at US$478++. This offer is valid from now until October 31, 2005. For further information tel: (66-2) 937-2222 ext. 4444. E-mail: rsvncgh@ chr.co.th

Dusit Hotels and Resorts is offering a “Summer Golf Getaway” package at Dusit Laguna. The deluxe single package is priced at US$296+++ and US$412+++ for deluxe twin/double. Benefits include two nights accommodation in a deluxe room, daily American buffet breakfast, round-trip airport transfer by shuttle bus, two 18 hole rounds of golf per person at Laguna Phuket Golf Club (excluding caddy’s fee), shuttle van transfer to the golf course and the use of non-motorized water sports equipment. This offer is valid from now until October 31, 2005.

Singapore Airlines has launched new deals for its PATA Gold Award-winning “Boarding Pass Privileges Programme”, including exclusive offers from Melia Bali Villas and Spa Resort, Planet Hollywood in Bali, the Shanghai Ocean Aquarium, Wisma Atria and Hertz. The offers are valid until June 30, 2005. For a full list of deals, visit: www.singaporeair.com.

Thai Airways International has joined with The Oriental Hotel to arrange a special menu for passengers flying on board the new direct flight TG790 from Bangkok to New York. With the assistance of Norbert A Kostner, The Oriental’s Executive Chef and an expert in Italian, Chinese, and Thai cuisine, THAI is presenting special menus in addition to those normally offered from now until July 30, 2005. For further information tel: (66-2) 628-2000. Web site: www.thaiairways.com

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