A VISION to represent and provide one voice for the emerging Indian wedding market in Thailand is what prompted a group of industry suppliers and hoteliers to come together to establish the Thai Indian Wedding Association (TIWA).
Ram Sachdev, CEO of Premier Thailand, who is spearheading the launch of TIWA, said: “The Indian wedding industry is still in its infancy and very misunderstood by most people (as a low-cost and price-conscious market). I want to overcome these misconceptions as I’m convinced that Thailand has the potential to become a premium Indian wedding destination.
“Our initial task step is to encourage airlines, hotels, venues, restaurants, wedding planners and other suppliers to join TIWA as we seek to create a body that sets and maintains the highest possible standards for Thai Indian weddings.”
Currently in the set-up stage, TIWA is expected to be officially launched within the next two months and the executive committee will be formed in the next fortnight, informed Sachdev. The association is already formally registered in Thailand and has also received support from the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), he added.
Welcoming the launch of TIWA, David Barrett, executive director of events at Amari Watergate Bangkok and Amari Orchid Pattaya, who is also a founding member of the association, said: “It is an opportunity for us as the Indian wedding industry in Thailand is so fragmented. If we can use the voice of TIWA to secure greater support from the Thai government via TAT and talk with other industry bodies, it will be good.”
To assist hoteliers, the new association will produce detailed guidelines and plan educational workshops, as well as sharing important know-how on managing key aspects of an Indian wedding.
TIWA is aiming to register 150 to 200 members for the first year, according to Sachdev. Membership is open to organisations based outside Thailand, as long as they are involved in the Indian wedding industry.
