INTERNATIONAL. As preparations for the Trinity Forum 2011 in Bangkok gather pace, delegates to travel retail’s most keenly-awaited conference are being offered a rare honour, courtesy of hosts Airports of Thailand and King Power International.
Upon closure of the conference on February 11, delegates are warmly invited to join an exclusive tour of the Vimanmek Palace, the royal residence that has become a symbol of Thailand’s unique cultural heritage.
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One of Bangkok’s most beautiful landmarks, the Vimanmek Palace is the world’s largest golden teakwood mansion |
The Vimanmek Palace is the world’s largest golden teakwood mansion. Also known as Cloud Mansion, this beautiful and elaborate royal residence was built by King Rama V in 1901 and used as a royal palace by HRH for five years until 1906. In 1982 Queen Sirikit asked permission of King Rama IX to renovate Vimanmek Palace for use as a museum to commemorate King Rama V by displaying his photographs, personal art, and handicrafts, and to serve as a showcase of the Thai national heritage.
Access to the Vimanmek Palace is very rarely granted, but Trinity Forum delegates will be offered a VIP tour of the building and grounds, followed by a garden party with refreshments and displays of Thai culture, including music, dance, traditional Thai boxing and an elephant show.
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The Vimanmek Palace will be the venue for an exclusive garden party for Trinity Forum delegates |
The Trinity Forum is organised by The Moodie Report in partnership with Airports Council International. The Moodie Report Founder and Chairman Martin Moodie said: “The Trinity Forum 2011 will offer all the usual networking opportunities, plus what we believe is the strongest ever line-up of speakers at a travel retail conference.
“However, this year’s event offers much more than that. Thanks to Airports of Thailand and King Power International, we will be privileged to visit a truly unique royal residence that few, if any, visitors to Bangkok have the opportunity to tour. The Vimanmek Palace is a breathtaking venue and the closing garden party will be an unforgettable experience.
“I would urge all delegates to the Trinity Forum 2011 to include the Vimanmek Palace visit in their travel plans, and more generally to ensure they make the most of their visit to one of the world’s great capitals.”
Airports of Thailand and King Power International are also generously hosting a golf tournament for Trinity Forum delegates on Saturday February 12 at the VR Sport Club, one of Thailand’s most prestigious courses.
In addition to its superb golf facilities, the VR Sport Club – named after its owner and King Power International Chairman Vichai Rakriaksorn – is Thailand’s premier private polo club and has hosted a number of prestigious tournaments featuring the world’s greatest players. On February 12 the course will be open exclusively for Trinity Forum delegates, who will be treated to lunch afterwards.
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The VR Sport Club will offer a stern but picturesque challenge to the industry’s golfers |
Delegates not wishing to put their handicap to the test on the Saturday are being offered a wonderful alternative: the opportunity to visit Bangkok’s Grand Palace and the legendary Jim Thompson House, before joining the golfers for lunch at the VR Sport Club.
Moodie said: “Whether you’re a golfer or not, it is well worth prolonging your stay in Bangkok to take advantage of the fantastic social programme that Airports of Thailand and King Power International have put together. We are hugely grateful to them for their support and confident that many delegates will make the most of the opportunity.”
Delegates to the Trinity Forum are encouraged to indicate upon registering whether they plan to attend the social events. Please click here to access the registration site; for further information please contact Howard Baggott at ACI at hbaggott@aci.aero.
Anyone wishing to play golf and requiring clubs is invited to contact Howard Baggott. Please also quote your handicap.
SSP and Diageo Global Travel and Middle East are Platinum Sponsors of the Trinity Forum 2011. Lagardère Services, Puig, DFS Group and Estée Lauder Companies Travel Retailing Worldwide are Gold Sponsors, while Dubai Duty Free and Qatar Duty Free are Silver Sponsors.
ABOUT THE 2011 TRINITY FORUM HOSTS AND ORGANISERS
The Moodie Report and ACI are delighted that the 2011 Trinity Forum will be held in Bangkok, one of the world’s key locations for duty free and travel retail. Leading Thai retailer King Power International, which will host the event, is not only one of the industry’s biggest airport and downtown retailers but also one of its most progressive.
Airports of Thailand operates Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports in Bangkok, as well as Chiang Mai, Hat Yai, Phuket and Mae Fah Luang-Chiang Rai airports.
The Trinity Forum seeks to improve dialogue and mutual understanding between airports, concessionaires and brands to the benefit of all stakeholders and of that critical fourth party, the consumer.
Airports Council International (www.aci.aero) is the international association of the world’s airports. A non-profit organisation, its prime purpose is to advance the interests of airports and to promote professional excellence in airport management and operations.
The Moodie Report (www.TheMoodieReport.com) is the world’s leading business intelligence provider dedicated to airport and airline non-aeronautical and commercial revenues.
