Phuket (People's Daily) - One of the World's top blogger events, Travel Blog Exchange (TBEX), will be hosted in Phuket, Thailand in October next year, to reopen Thailand after containing COVID-19, Narong Woonsiv, the governor of Phuket, said on Thursday.

Narong Woonsiv, the governor of Phuket, announces the holding of TBEX next year in his province. (Photos: People's Daily app/ Zhao Yipu)

"Apart from the beautiful sea and beach, Phuket also has delicious local food, street art, adventure, and charming community tours," the governor said. "Thailand will then reappear on the world’s tourism map in a significant way", he added. 

Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, president of Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), said TCEB had discussed with TAT (Tourism Authority of Thailand) and decided to choose Phuket as the host city of TBEX 2021. "We are going to show the world that Thailand is ready to come back after containing COVID-19 to host international events, and Phuket is ready to serve as a festival city."

Nithee Seeprae, Executive Director for Advertising and Public Relations Department of TAT, said that the tourism and event industry will be back after the COVID-19 crisis next year. "It is a really good opportunity for Thailand to have the honor to host TBEX 2021. The event will showcase arts, cultural diversity, event venues, food and ways of life of not only  Phuket but also the whole southern region." He also believes that TBEX 2021 will  stimulate the Thai economy and tourism.

Travel Blog Exchange was first held in Europe in 2012. In the past 8 years, TBEX has spread among 20 cities around the world, such as Toronto, Dublin, Manila and New York.