84 World Tennis Invitation Hua Hin

Kim Clijsters

This afternoon, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) invited two of the world’s leading tennis players, Ms. Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark and Ms. Kim Clijsters of Belgium, to enjoy a cruise on the Chao Phraya River before they take part in the 84 World Tennis Invitation Hua Hin 2011.
I was happy to be invited along, with about a hundred or so other members of the Thai media, to go with them on this river cruise.

Kim Clijsters of Belgium and Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark

The afternoon cruise gave the two tennis stars a unique perspective on famous Bangkok landmarks such as the Grand Palace and the Temple of Dawn.  Ms. Wozniacki and Ms. Clijsters travelled on the Horizon Cruise II, departing from the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok Hotel Pier.  On the cruise, the tennis superstars were joined by Mr. Suraphon Svetasreni, TAT Governor; Mr. Prakit Piriyakiet, Deputy Governor for Marketing Communications of TAT; and Mr. Suwat Lipatapanlop, President of the Lawn Tennis Association of Thailand.

Caroline Wozniacki and a friend enjoy the river cruise

“Highlighting visits by sports celebrities is part of TAT’s strategy to engage potential visitors from international markets,” said Mr. Suraphon.  “The ‘PTT Thailand Open 2010′ tournament this past August, which featured number one-ranked tennis player Rafael Nadal of Spain, generated great publicity for Thailand while reinforcing our country’s position as one of the world’s favourite tourist destinations.  We expect similar exposure in Denmark and Belgium as Ms. Wozniacki and Ms. Clijsters enjoy their Thailand experience.”

Mr. Suraphon Svetasreni, TAT Governor, with Caroline Wozniacki

The “84 World Tennis Invitation Hua Hin 2011” tournament is the first major event of the new year to celebrate the King’s 84th birthday.  It starts on 01 January, 2011, at the Centennial Park tennis court.  While in Hua Hin, TAT has also invited Ms. Wozniacki and Ms. Clijsters to learn about Thai cooking , experience the night market, join in family activities at the beach, pamper themselves at a spa and enjoy the many other attractions that Hua Hin offers. Tickets for the match can be bought online at Thai Ticket Major. You can also watch it live on Channel 9 starting from 5 p.m. this Saturday.

The Media Scrum - Not easy getting the pictures

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