Dubai, 6 March, 2016 – More than 45,000 orchid enthusiasts are expected to travel to Thailand to the 12thAsia-Pacific Orchid Conference (APOC12) billed as a mega orchid event during 19 to 27 March, 2016, at the IMPACT Exhibition and Convention Centre.
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The Conference is held every three years with the event drawing top-level orchid growers, researchers and associations from around the Asia-Pacific region. The 11th event was hosted in Okinawa, Japan in 2013, and Thailand previously hosted the 4th event in Chiang Mai in 1992.
Hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, the Conference will underscore Thailand’s high calibre in the business of orchid production. The Horticulture Research Institute, Department of Agriculture will also provide information and exhibitions on orchid breeding and the global orchid economy on the sidelines of the Conference agenda.
The Conference will draw more than 300 experts, researchers and growers to exchange opinions and ideas from 19 to 21 March, while a colourful orchid show will remain open to the public from 21 until 27 March attracting an estimated 45,000 visitors.
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The APOC12 agenda will promote awareness and development of hybridisation cultivation, science, conservation of orchids and support for research. Orchid growing is already an impressive enterprise in Thailand covering 20,000 hectares of land and providing a livelihood for more than 3,000 households.
Organisers have described the show as the “most spectacular exhibition of orchids that Thailand has assembled in 20 years.” In the exhibition area, adjacent to the Conference venue, a Thailand Pavilion and “Honour Zone” will highlight an orchid exhibition in honour of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, who will preside over the opening ceremony on 19 March.
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Other zones and exhibitions include an Orchid Academy featuring a vertical orchid garden, various orchid gardening competitions for more than 60 local and international growers, and an art gallery depicting orchid paintings.
Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) said, “The APOC12 will draw specialists and support our efforts to encourage experiential tourism as well as the hosting of specialised conferences in Thailand. Also orchids are part of our culture, and used as a symbol of the warm-hearted welcome we extend to visitors.”
For information, please visit www.apoc12.com
