Bangkok-- 2 September 2009-- From today until 5 September thousands of professionals in Asia’s hospitality industry will be taking part in Food & Hotel Thailand 2009, in seminars, workshops and at 756 exhibit booths.

Chumpol Silapa-Archa, Minister of Tourism and Sports, presided at the opening of the 17th international food & hospitality event at the Royal Paragon Hall, Siam Paragon, which is expected to attract over 25,000 visitors from 60 countries.

“Food & Hotel Thailand has become the region’s most prestigious and comprehensive food, hotel and hospitality trade event, and everybody in the industry is looking forward to it,” said Prakit Chinamourphong, President of the Thai Hotels Association.

“Although we witnessed the economic slowdown at the beginning of this year, we are now seeing positive signs of recovery. Food and Hotel Thailand is one of the three biggest trade fairs held in Asia raising the awareness that Thailand is the centre of the world’s hospitality business.

“It’s important for businesses to be always in a state of readiness, and prepared to maximise their potential using the latest innovations in concepts, products and techniques that will give them a competitive edge now and in the future. It is safe to say that the people in our industry are highly qualified with high potential. We also have many resources and prime locations that can help boost growth and business success now and in the future.”

David Aitken,Managing Director of Bangkok Exhibition Services Ltd (BES) said that 756 brands from all over the world will be taking part in FHT 2009, and registered exhibiting companies include Nestle, S & P Syndicate, Royal Porcelain, Bon Café’ Coffee, Ebisu Seafoods, Lucky Flame, BVZ Fabrics, American European, Aroma Group, HIS Softbrand. International pavilions include Japan, Korea, South Africa and the USA with independent participants from 32 countries.

“With an expansion into 12,000 sq m of exhibiting space at the Royal Paragon Hall, the 17th FHT will feature an enormous range of products and services, from food & beverage, bakeries, confectioneries and seasonings to wine, glassware, ceramics, kitchenware, and retail and hotel equipment and software.

“We expect that this year’s event will attract in the region of 25,000 visitors from 60 countries and generate more than 180 million baht from transactions, followed by 650 million baht from post event activities.

“FHT 2009 has received an impressive response from businesses from Thailand and overseas participating in exhibition booths, and it has the firm support of the Thai Hotels Association, the Thai Restaurant Association, the Thai Chefs Association and the World Association of Chefs Societies (WACS).

“They make the event really worth visiting because they introduce so many experts and interesting activities and provide up-to-date information on new trends in the industry that will help businesses to develop and create added value.”

There will be many specialised events to enhance the FHT 2009 experience, such as the Asia’s 1st Culinary Cup by the World Association of Chefs Societies (WACS), with an assembly of more than 600 award-winning chefs from around the world; the Wedding Flower Decoration Festival by the Executive Housekeeper Association of Thailand; and the International Wine Challenge by the Food and Beverage Association of Thailand.

To raise standards in each sector in line with the government “Thai Kitchen for the World” initiative, associations within the industry will host conferences, seminars and exhibitions such as Thai Kitchen Standards by the Thai Restaurant Association, and the Bartenders Competition by the Thai Hotels Association.

Food & Hotel Thailand 2009 will be open every day until September 5 from 10.30 am to 6.30 pm. For more information, contact BES at 0 2615 1255 or visit www.foodhotelthailand.com.