BANGKOK, April 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- This is a news report by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of Thailand:
Mr. Sorawong Thienthong, Minister of Tourism and Sports of Thailand, and Mr. Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, Director of the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), have announced a strategic collaboration with the World Poker Tour (WPT) and Thailand RF Tourism and Sports Competition Club Co., Ltd. (RF) to host the inaugural Texas Hold'em World Poker Tour (WPT) in Thailand.
A cross-agency joint task force will be established to provide comprehensive support and logistical facilitation for the event. The tournament, structured as a sports demonstration, will take place in Bangkok over 14 days. It is projected to attract over 10,000 visitors and will be broadcast globally via channels including ESPN, EURO Sports, and FOX, reaching audiences in more than 150 countries. The event is expected to generate significant revenue growth for Thailand's hospitality, F&B, retail, and entertainment sectors.
Ms. Keta O'Sullivan, Vice President of WPT, highlighted that Texas Hold'em is a globally recognized sport combining strategy, planning, and intellectual skill with immense economic potential. "Bringing WPT to Thailand will not only boost tourism revenue but also advance skill development and employment opportunities in the service sector. Over 1,500 specialized roles have already been created through pre-event preparations," she stated.
In 2023 (B.E. 2566), WPT hosted events in 25 countries worldwide, generating direct tourism revenue exceeding THB 40 billion. For example, the 2022 Paris event drew 8,000 participants and 25,000 spectators, contributing over THB 500 million to the local economy.
Mr. Leo Su, General Manager of RF, emphasized, "This sports demonstration marks only the beginning. We plan to attract more world-class international events to Thailand, fostering sustainable growth in tourism and long-term economic stimulation."
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
Minister Sorawong Establishes Joint Task Force to Facilitate Inaugural World Poker Tour (WPT) in Thailand, Targeting Over THB 1 Billion in Revenue
Minister Sorawong Establishes Joint Task Force to Facilitate Inaugural World Poker Tour (WPT) in Thailand, Targeting Over THB 1 Billion in Revenue
YIWU, China, May 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. and China have officially aligned on tariff adjustments under the Joint Statement on Economic and Trade Talks, effective May 14—a move set to stabilize global trade. In Yiwu, the internationally recognized commercial hub often referred to as the "World's Supermarket", the impact is already tangible: local businesses report a sharp uptick in orders from U.S. buyers following the announcement.
Yiwu Entrepreneurs Stay Agile Amid Shifting Trade Dynamics
From 2020 to 2024, Yiwu's U.S. export share surged from 4.1% to 14.2%, underscoring the resilience of its businesses through trade uncertainties. "Diversification keeps us competitive," says He Lihong, founder of Yiwu Bozhong Stationery, who swiftly shifted to new markets after U.S. orders slowed. "This month alone, I'm scouting opportunities in eight countries to future-proof our growth."
Yiwu's Global Trade Surge Hits Record High in May
Yiwu turbocharged international business growth with its 415 Global Prosperity Season (April 15–May 5), a city-led promotional campaign to connect local companies with global buyers. Organized by Zhejiang China Commodities City Group (CCC), the initiative featured hybrid trade shows, industry-specific exhibitions, and even chartered flights to shuttle buyers from the Canton Fair directly to Yiwu's markets.
The momentum continued as the Global Digital Trade Centre debuted its Foreign Buyer Open Day, drawing international merchants to secure storefronts and access Yiwu's end-to-end trade solutions. Meanwhile, CCC and Alibaba unveiled a game-changing AI partnership—the Smart Trade AI Model—to optimize efficiency for vendors on the Chinagoods platform.
Later this month, Chinagoods will launch a week-long Global Cross-Border E-Commerce Recruitment Fair, anchored by its E-Commerce Acceleration Initiative, to streamline digital expansion for Yiwu businesses.
Yiwu's Shopping Tourism Boom Fuels Next Wave of Digital Trade Growth
Yiwu saw record tourism during May Day holidays, attracting 2.77 million visitors - a 29.9% year-on-year surge - driven by favorable visa policies and tax incentives. The city's unique "travel + shopping" model gained further traction with inbound tourism orders jumping 60%.
This shopping tourism boom is now transitioning into digital trade momentum, linking global buyers more directly with Yiwu-based manufacturers. The trend underscores both the resilience of Yiwu's trade ecosystem and the growing global demand for Made-in-China products.
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
The "Yiwu 415 Wealth Creation Event" has attracted a lot of global buyers to Yiwu
