Thailand's Tourism Minister Travels From Bangkok To Chiang Mai - To Thank School Children For Promoting The City

An unusual desk calendar created by local volunteers and international school students of all ages and nationalities, is begining to play a significant role in showcasing Chiang Mai as a premier long stay destination - and no longer just a stopover. End Quote

Dr Suvit Yodmani, Thai Minister Of Tourism & Sports, talking to invited guests at the launch of the "Chiang Mai Charity Calendar"

(1888PressRelease) October 16, 2007 - In a highly supportive move, His Excellency Dr Suvit Yodmani, Thailand’s Minister of Tourism and Sports, made a special journey from Bangkok to Chiang Mai to preside over the launch of the "Chiang Mai Charity Calendar" the brainchild of two foreign residents, and a group of enthusiastic students from Prem Tinsulanonda International School.

In his presentation on 5th October 2007 to senior members of the travel trade, media, consular officials and city representatives held at the Sofitel Riverside Chiang Mai, Dr Suvit stressed the importance of changing the mindset of travellers and travel agencies that the city was no longer 'a stop on the way to somewhere else' as was the case many years ago, when it was a small town with a limited infrastructure.

Established in 1296, it is today a vibrant university city packed with interest, filled with galleries, museums, high quality shops, gourmet restaurants, and some of the best hotels in Asia, as well as quality guest houses catering for young budget travellers, who Dr. Suvit considers to be " intellectual tourists...seeking a better understanding of our culture......who will come back again and again"

He cited the Charity Calendar as an excellent promotional tool, and a splendid initiative by the school children who volunteered to create paintings for the calendar depicting why they think the historic city is a 'wonderful place to live' Thirteen were chosen for inclusion and the proud young artists were invited to the launch, where they were presented with certificates of appreciation by the Minister.

The 40-page non-profit calendar sells for Baht 100 (approx US$3) and is designed to raise awareness of Chiang Mai as a world-class destination, where "A Week is not Enough" to enjoy all its attractions. It was printed at cost by Chotana, a local printing company, and artworks were done free of charge by City Life Magazine.

In addition to the illustrative paintings it contains five pages of text highlighting the city's appeal to multi-sectors of the travel industry, including leisure, conferences, incentives, sports, study, special interest, medical treatment and permanent retirement. The organizers hope to sell all 10,000 copies to visiting tourists, residents, travel agencies, airlines, corporate companies and others wishing to support Chiang Mai's tourism.

The small calendar, which can be personalised with a bound-in full colour compliments slip, will soon be landing its promotional message in words and colourful children's paintings on desks and tables in countries all over the world. Revenue from calendar sales beyond the cost of production will be donated to charities for children.

Footnote: In a survey due to be published in the November 2007 issue of the magazine, readers of "Condé Nast Traveler" voted Chiang Mai in third place in the category of 'Asia's Best Cities'

http://chiangmaicalendar.googlepages.com/

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