Bangkok to Host 2017 WTTC Global Summit

Texas (United States) – April 11, 2016 (travelindex.com) – Bangkok, Thailand, has been selected as the host venue for the prestigious 2017 WTTC Global Summit, which is scheduled to be held on 26-27 April, 2017. The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) announced its decision at the closing speech of the 16th WTTC Global Summit in Dallas, Texas on 7 April, 2016.

Mr. David Scowsill, President and CEO of WTTC said, “The WTTC Global Summit is the most influential travel and tourism event of the year, bringing together hundreds of leaders from public sector organisations and private sector companies to discuss and tackle the most important issues in our sector. Travel and tourism is one of the most important generators of jobs and wealth in the world, contributing to over US $7.2 trillion in GDP to the world economy and supporting 284 million jobs, which is 1 in 11 jobs on the planet.”

Mr. Scowsill continued, “Thailand is an extremely well established travel and tourism economy. Despite challenges, the sector grew by a stunning 18.4% in 2015, contributing nearly 21% to the country’s GDP (USD$ 81.6 billion or THB 2.8 trillion) and supported 5.9 million jobs, which is 15.4% of the total employment. I am delighted that Bangkok will host the 2017 Global Summit, which will highlight the Thai government’s great efforts in supporting travel and tourism across the country.”

H.E. Mrs. Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, Thailand’s Minister of Tourism and Sports said, “We are excited and honoured to host next year’s WTTC Global Summit, which is a great opportunity to showcase Bangkok as an important meeting place for gathering the world’s top travel and tourism executives.

“Being selected by the World Travel and Tourism Council to host the Summit acknowledges the commitment the Thai government has to the expansion of the travel and tourism sector in the country,” she added.

Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) said, “Holding the Summit in Bangkok is recognition of the city’s importance as an international hub, serving a large number of international visitors through Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport.

We are looking forward to welcoming everyone in Bangkok next year to experience the beauty of our country,” the Governor concluded.

For more information about WTTC, please contact:
Ms. Annebeth Wijtenburg
Public Relations Manager
World Travel & Tourism Council
Email: annebeth.wijtenburg@wttc.org

International Public Relations Division
Tourism Authority of Thailand
1600 New Petchaburi Road, Makkasan, Ratchathevi
Bangkok 10400
Thailand
Tel: +66 (0) 2250 5500 ext. 4545-48
Fax: +66 (0) 2253 7419
Email: prdiv3@tat.or.th
Website: www.TATnews.org