Summit brings a smile

Manoo Tharnpipitchai, chief adviser to the tourism council in Hua Hin and Cha-am, said that the approximately 10,000 rooms in hotels and resorts in Hua Hin and nearby Cha-am could accommodate participants.

The council anticipates that the meeting will generate at least Bt40 million in revenue, split equally between hotel and non-hotel operators. The spending is based on the expectation that each of the 2,000 participants will spend about Bt20,000.

"This is a big boost for Hua Hin and Cha-am, following the political conflicts last year. The number of visitors to Hua Hin has dropped by 30 per cent year on year," he said.

Sombat Kaewyuang, marketing chief of the council, said tourism products being promoted were spas, golf courses, vineyards and sunflower fields. Tourism operators will meet with the Tourism Authority of Thailand next week to finalise their marketing strategies.

He did not expect any security mishap, as the Foreign Affairs Ministry has consulted with the mayors of Hua Hin and Cha-am as well as business operators in the cities on security measures. Moreover, local police have prepared for the meeting and local people are eager to welcome visitors.