Royal Thai Embassy in Tokyo Hosts Networking Event Connecting Thai Hotels with Mayoral Alliance for EXPO 2025

25/04/2025

On 25 April 2025, the Royal Thai Embassy in Tokyo organised a networking event between Thai hotel groups and the Mayoral Alliance for EXPO 2025 at the Centara Grand Hotel Osaka. The event brought together over 20 participants including H.E. Mr. Witchu Vejjajiva, Ambassador of Thailand to Japan, Mr. Akrapong Chalermnon, Consul-General in Osaka, representatives from Thai hotel groups in Japan, and executives from the Mayoral Alliance for EXPO 2025 Osaka. This occasion also marke d the first meeting of Thai hotel businesses operating in Japan.

The purpose of this networking event is to strengthen the presence and capabilities of Thai hotel businesses in Japan by establishing connections with the Mayoral Alliance for EXPO 2025. With Thai hotel businesses expanding their investments in Japan, this networking initiative presents a means to broaden the opportunities for Thai hotels and related businesses - such as catering, spa, and hospitality services - among local Japanese communities. It is hoped that this event would not only produce collaborations and provide exposure for Thai hotel businesses during the EXPO 2025 but also for other future occasions. Participating Thai hotel groups included Centara Hotels and Resorts (Centara Grand Hotel Osaka), Dusit Thani Group (Dusit Thani Kyoto and ASAI Kyoto Shijo), The Erawan Group (Hop Inn Hotels in Tokyo and Kyoto), and Thai Beverage Group (Fraser Residence Nankai Osaka and ANA Crowne Plaza Kobe).

The Mayoral Alliance network comprises of mayors from 669 cities across all 47 prefectures of Japan and was originally established during the Tokyo 2020 Olympics to promote "Host Town" for the competing athletes, which was a great success. This time round, the Mayoral Alliance for EXPO 2025 Osaka plays a key role in promoting Japan’s regions and enhancing international cooperation in the lead-up to EXPO 2025. In addition, the Mayoral Alliance also provides logistical support to international visitors to EXPO 2025, including hotel arrangements, transportation, and organising study tours across Japan.