The hospitality stakes on the paradise island of Phuket have been raised even higher following the opening of Westin Siray Bay Resort and Spa.

Choomporn Silapa-Archa, the Minister of Tourism and Sports for Thailand, presided over the official opening of the new luxury resort.

He also pledged that his ministry would continue to support project to develop Phuket tourism including the expansion of Phuket International Airport, Phuket International Conference and Exhibition Center, in preparation of Phuket to be the host of Asian Beach Games 2014 – which forms part of the Kingdom’s strategy to become an Asian hub of Sport Tourism.

He reinforced his belief that these projects would benefit the island’s tourism. He commented that the hospitality investors in Phuket during this high season were offered a good opportunity. He hoped that every hotel would serve their clients the best way possible to create a good image of the island.

He also called upon local administrative organisations to provide the framework to ensure Phuket’s continued progression.

He agreed that Phuket should govern itself since it directly helped in public utility development which was a part of tourism development.

Thailand’s credentials as an Asia Sport Tourism hub have been boosted by the recent announcement that 2011’s World Sport Destination Expo will take place in Bangkok.

Now in its 2nd year, the landmark exhibition and conference programme will give centre ground to the most rapidly growing sector in the global travel and tourism industry.

WSDE is the only global exhibition and business forum dedicated to showcasing the full spectrum of Sport Tourism related products and services from around the world.  WSDE will take place from 27th September – 30th October 2011.  To find out more email [email protected] or visit www.worldsportdestinationexpo.com