Bangkok--12 Sep--Laguna Phuket
Laguna Phuket was chosen the host venue of the 18th Inter-Islands Tourism Policy Forum (ITOP), attended by leaders from eleven member cities, held in various locations within the destination resort during 20-22 August 2014.
On Wednesday, 20th August, Mr. Maitri Inthusut, Governor of Phuket who was the host island of the Forum’s 18th edition following its 17th in Hainan, China in 2013, welcomed delegates from eleven island cities to Angsana Laguna Phuket where major functions were being held. In the evening, an official welcome gala dinner was held at Latitude Marquee.
The main events took place on Thursday, 21st August at Angsana Laguna Phuket, started by the meeting of leaders from the Forum’s eleven member cities, official opening ceremony, Joint Statement signing ceremony, and the Forum’s flag handing over from Mr. Maitri Inthusut of Phuket Island to next year’s host, Mr. Park Jeongha from Jeju Island, Korea.
The Forum aims to promote cooperation among member island cities in the area of art, culture, and tourism. This year’s theme is “Sustainable Maritime Tourism Networks,” a topic with sub-themes comprising marine resources management; sea travel, transport and networks; and sea rescue for tourists.
The eleven member islands of ITOP are; Jeju (Korea), Hainan (China), Okinawa (Japan), Bali (Indonesia), Southern Province (Sri Lanka), Hawaii (USA), Canary Island (Spain), Zanzibar (Tanzania), Cebu (Philippines), Penang (Malaysia), and Phuket (Thailand).
main photo caption: (From left) Peter Molin, Kingdom of Sweden; Danny Law Heng Kiang, Penang (Malaysia); Hilario P. Davide III, Cebu (Republic of Philippines); Kumari Balasuriya, Southern Province (Republic of Sri Lanka); Maitri Inthusut, Phuket (Kingdom of Thailand); Park Jeongha, Jeju (Republic of Korea); Seijun Wakugawa, Okinawa (Japan); Wang Sheng, Hainan (People’s Republic of China); and A.A. Gede Yuniartha Putra, Bali (Republics of Indonesia) at the 18th ITOP Forum’s opening ceremony, Angsana Ballroom, Laguna Phuket.
For more information on ITOP Forum, visit http://www.itop-forum.org/
For more information on Laguna Phuket, visit http://www.lagunaphuket.com/