Google and TAT Team Up for eTourism Day in Chiang Rai

Chiang Rai will play host to what organisers are calling "eTourism Day".

The technology showcase joint initiative by the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and Google has been created to help local tourism stakeholders leverage technology to build their businesses, and the "Chiang Rai: Gateway to the Mekong" brand.

eTourism Day sessions will be held in both Thai and English, and lead by experts from TAT and Google Thailand, along with Dragon Trail, which has previously run GMS social media "boot camps" in Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar.

Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Director, Marketing Information Technology Group, Tourism Authority of Thailand, will lead a session on "Building the Chiang Rai brand via Social Media and Digital Marketing".

Ariya Banomyong, Country Head of Google Thailand, will lead a session on Google solutions for businesses.

Mr Banomyong, said, "Globally, 6 out of 10 travelers use search engines as their number one source for travel information so helping businesses in Chiang Rai go online and connect with potential customers is only a click away. We're delighted to continue our partnership with the Tourism Authority of Thailand and through eTourism Day provide practical tools that can contribute to the economic growth of the tourism industry and local Thai businesses in this community who will benefit directly from increased visitors and international visibility."

eTourism Day will take place at the Le Meridien Resort Chiang Rai on 12 June, one day prior to the Mekong Tourism Forum 2012.

Participation in eTourism Day is free of charge, but seats are limited and will be confirmed on a first come first serve registration basis.

Morning sessions will be conducted in Thai, with mirror afternoon sessions in English. Lunch will be served for all registered participants.

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