As Routes Asia 2019 draws to a close in the bustling City of Cebu in the Philippines, the hosting baton was passed to next year’s hosts, Airports of Thailand Plc., who will hold the event in the beautiful city of Chiang Mai in northern Thailand.
Routes Asia, the route development forum for the Americas, is held in a different location each year and bringing together airlines, airports and tourism authorities
Airports of Thailand (AOT) own six international airports and previously hosted Routes Asia in 2006 in Pattaya. Thailand’s plan for the future of its aviation industry is based around a masterplan which incorporates the streamlining of air transport strategies with enhancing the effectiveness of capacity expansion at airports as well as air traffic, with the ultimate intention of Thailand becoming an aviation hub for all of South East Asia.
Miss Phuqngrarapun said “We believe that hosting this event will have a great impact not only for AOT, but on Thailand’s economy overall. Air transport is one of the most powerful means of regional economic developments, and Routes events are where the world’s network planners meet to discuss future air services. Hosting this event also gives us the chance to show delegates one of Thailand’s most frequented destinations, where the natural beauty and our good economy combine to make Chiang Mai and important destination and international hub.”
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Mr Small said “We are excited to be supporting AOT with their goal of growing Chiang Mai as an international hub and we are delighted to be taking this event back to Thailand. AOT did a fantastic job when they hosted in Pattaya previously and I’m sure this event will be every bit as enjoyable and successful as the last one.”
The city of Chiang Mai is 700km north of Bangkok, in the very north of the country and receives 10 million visitors a year. One of Thailand’s most distinctive cities, it is known for its numerous Buddhist temples and as the home of the ancient Lanna culture. The event will be held at the city’s impressive convention centre, the newest in Thailand, and the hosts have promised that this combined with the exceptional delegate tours on offer mean that Chiang Mai promises to be an unforgettable location and Routes Asia 2020 will be a memorable event.
