THAI MINISTER FOR TOURISM AND SPORT & GAISF PRESIDENT DISCUSS IMPACT OF SPORTACCORD 2018 FOR THE HOST NATION, IFS AND GLOBAL SPORTS INDUSTRY

LAUSANNE, Switzerland – In a recent interview, the Thai Minister for Sport and Tourism Mr. Weerasak Kowsurat discussed the importance of SportAccord 2018 as a global platform for the international sports community and the host nation Thailand.

Speaking to one of the leading Thai newspapers - The Nation, the Minister commented on what it means for Thai businesses and delegates to be involved in the World Sport & Business Summit: “Logistically, it’s very difficult to get all of these sports representatives together in any one particular city at the same time. At SportAccord, every sports fan or sports player will have access to the big names at some point. The second important thing is the content that will be discussed during SportAccord. The delegates will address the major trends and issues in sports, many of which will be very beneficial for participants or those who have access to SportAccord. They will get to understand the directions and trends in sport, which will help sports planners and sports industry representatives to gain a clearer picture of what they should be doing or where they should be investing.”

The Minister also explained how well SportAccord is able to convey the true ‘spirit of sport’ and carry these messages to a diverse audience on an international scale.

Commenting on the plans Thailand is working towards becoming the top sports destination for staging global events the Minister said: “It is about doing three things. The first is to continue to raise the bar. The second is to keep the variety – whether it is to do with geography or culture … as we can accommodate all kinds of different sports events all year around. The third is to keep the spirt of sport in discussions on a regular basis.”

With this in mind, some of the sports federations of Thailand will also take part in a Sports Festival as part of this year’s SportAccord 2018. Aiming to capture the imagination of citizens and delegates alike, attendees will have the opportunity to mingle and witness a variety of sports, as well as experience the friendship and culture that Thailand has to offer.

SportAccord delegates will be treated to a spectacular performance featuring The Royal Barge Procession (Krabuan Phayuhayattra Chonlamak) as part of the Opening Ceremony due to take place on Tuesday 17 April at the Royal Thai Navy Convention Hall in Bangkok. This will be accompanied by Keng Tachaya, a well-known international singer with more than 20 global awards to his name.

The stunning performance will encompass the theme ‘The Sports Dream Destination’ and reinforce The Year of Thai Life Style for 2018 in Thailand. The exquisite Royal Barge marking the occasion is typically only presented at the most significant cultural and religious events. It will symbolise Thailand’s readiness to play host to the world of sport in its quest to become the World Sports Hub and Sports Dream Destination.

Building on the spirit of cultural exchange and rising to the SportAccord occasion, the host nation will also stage a Thai Pavilion giving delegates further opportunity to discover the cultural treasures Thailand has to offer and sample a delicious range of Thai culinary delights.

Speaking of the Host City as well as the 6-day event featured in the official eMagazine The Preview, Patrick Baumann, President of SportAccord and GAISF said: “"I am delighted that SportAccord is coming to Bangkok, a truly great city in a region which is playing an increasingly important role in world sport.

SportAccord is firmly established as the essential meeting place for all the major stakeholders in sport around the globe and the organisations and businesses which provide services for them. Consequently, for a week in April, Bangkok will become the hub of world sport, creating a significant opportunity for Thai businesses to arrange to meet and engage with International Federations and other sports organisations to identify opportunities for co-operation and for business.

GAISF and its members are looking forward to visiting Bangkok for our most important meetings of the year and we are determined to leave a positive legacy for the Thai sports community and business operating in the sports sector." Organisations who wish to take part should register for SportAccord 2018 which gives them access to the entire conference programme. As part of the Official Schedule, SportAccord will host well over 20 networking events and a popular 3-day Exhibition, as part of the delegate experience.

Organisations looking for opportunities to increase their visibility at the World Sport & Business Summit can become an Exhibitor or Partner by contacting the sales team: sales@sportaccord.com or phone +41 21 601 27 64.

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