Record for world's largest group massage smashed at Hua Hin event

Some 105 consultants and senior managers from UK-based The Virgin Cosmetics Co received the massage yesterday on the lawn of the Anantara Hua Hin Resort in the morning.

The event was expected to help spotlight Hua Hin as a Mice (meetings, incentives, conventions, exhibitions) destination to international planners, according to David Barrett, executive manager of Diethelm Events, the organiser of the event on behalf of Business Travel Team UK, the incentive organiser of Virgin Cosmetics.

''This [event] shows proof that the Mice industry is still operating after the tragic tsunami with international incentive groups from long-haul destinations visiting Thailand,'' Mr Barrett said.

Besides helping to promote the benefits of Thai massage and Hua Hin as a city of health tourism, the event shows that there are other destinations open for Mice business in the Gulf of Thailand, he said.

Silachai Surai, director of the central region office overseeing Phetchaburi, Ratchaburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan for the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), said that the world record-setting massage event was in line with TAT's strategy to promote Hua Hin as a family and health destination.

''Hua Hin may not offer many sports activities like other beach destinations, but it is well-known for its calm and relaxing atmosphere, which is perfect for families, and for its health facilities, including one of the the world's top spas, the Chiva-Som,'' said Mr Silachai.

He said that some 200 masseuses located in Hua Hin hold a training certificate from the Public Health Ministry to ensure quality service and serve the growing demand for massage from both local and foreign tourists.

Mr Silachai said that Hua Hin attracted about two million visitors last year, with 300,000 of them foreigners, but that number was likely to increase with the launch of Siam GA Airline, which will fly four flights daily from Bangkok to Hua Hin.

He said that hotels in Hua Hin were now running at a 90% occupancy rate, partly because of the tsunami, which prompted tourists to shift their vacation stays from the Andaman coast to destinations in the Gulf of Thailand.

Ros Simmons, managing director of The Virgin Cosmetics, said that the company chose Thailand as its incentive destination because of the rich culture, the beautiful scenery and bargain shopping.

Of note, it is also the first time for the company to participate in an exciting event which will claim a spot in the Guinness Book of Records.