EVEN as Chiang Mai’s commercial areas were hit by floods late yesterday due to the Ping River overflowing its banks, some seminars and incentives scheduled to begin today have continued as planned.
The Thailand Incentive and Convention Association (TICA) is carrying on with its biennial, 17th Convention Promotion Seminar and Convention Exhibition, scheduled from today till October 1. The event will see about 120 buyers from local professional and medical-related associations, government agencies from Bangkok, as well as about 80 local sellers.
TICA manager Prapaphan Sungmuang said due to the flood and for logistical purposes, all buyers would be relocated from the four assigned hotels (including dusitD2, Shangri-La and Holiday Inn) to stay at the event venue, Le Merdien Chiang Mai.
Asia World Destination Management director, Max Jantasuwan, said a golf tournament incentive for 85 persons from today till October 2 would also go ahead as planned.
According to Jantasuwan, about eight participants arrived yesterday and two other groups came in this morning—all are staying at the Four Seasons Chiang Mai. “For us, there is no direct impact, only that we have to relocate the outside lunch venue,” he said.
Sukanya Janchoo, general manager of dusitD2 and Dusit Princess Chiang Mai, said the flood had affected both properties, but that damage was not severe as preemptive measures had been taken beforehand.
“Both hotels are running at about 20-30 per cent occupancy as this is the low season in Chiang Mai,” she said. “Some guests have been relocated to other hotels, but there are no cancellations on forward bookings.”
By Sirima Eamtako
