Thailand to host 19th IIFA Awards from 22-24 June in Bangkok

Thursday, 31 May 2018 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Thailand has been named as the host country for the 19th International Indian Film Academy Awards (IIFA Awards), which is scheduled to be held in Bangkok from 22-24 June.

This will be the second time that the Thai capital plays host to the biggest celebration of Indian cinema, having hosted the 9th IIFA Awards on 8 June 2008.

Andre Timmins, Director of Wizcraft International – the producer and creator of the awards – said, “We are pleased to be taking IIFA back to Bangkok after 10 years. IIFA has grown over this decade, and we are excited to celebrate the grandeur and excitement in ‘Amazing Thailand’. Vibrant Bangkok is the perfect host to welcome and embrace the spirit of Bollywood like no other and it’s a pleasure to see Thailand welcome IIFA with open arms for the second time.”

In 2017, Thailand welcomed 1.4 million visitor arrivals from India, up 18%t over 2016, generating 62.40 billion Baht in tourism income. The growth momentum is expected to continue through 2018, with the first four months already recording a 17% increase to 481,573 arrivals (China and India led the growth in January-April visitor arrivals to Thailand).

Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) New Delhi Office Director Isra Stapanaseth said, “IIFA 2018 will prove to be beneficial for the publicity of Thailand’s tourism industry, which will contribute to enhancing the positive image of the country and attract Indian tourists by showcasing a variety of tourism products Thailand has to offer. The event also corresponds with TAT’s directions to promote Thailand as a preferred destination for Indian travellers.”

For 2018, the TAT offices in Mumbai and New Delhi are working with partners and tour operators to promote Thailand to specific segments including luxury travel, weddings and honeymooners, female travellers, and families as well as students and newly working women.