Governor of Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Yuthasak Supasorn, unveils the engaging programming which delegates can enjoy at Thailand’s most prominent annual B2B travel trade event, to be held from May 31 to June 2, this year
Brought to you by Tourism Authority of Thailand
This year’s theme for Thailand Travel Mart Plus (TTM+) is Visit Thailand Year 2023: Amazing New Chapters. Can you explain the objective behind it?
We wanted to invite friends from around the world to our wonderful country and to write their own impressive chapters, which they can then share with their friends and family.
Focusing on experience-based tourism, we wish to deliver fresh travel experiences and aim to create a meaningful travel experience for travellers, as well as to benefit the local communities and the environment.
How will this theme be executed throughout the programme at TTM+? Can you share more about the planned showcases?
Throughout the three days at TTM+ 2023, the ‘Amazing New Chapters’ experience will be portrayed through the many showcases – such as the Araksa Tea Garden, an organic tea garden in Chiang Mai; the Ruk-Khon, a group of shadow puppet-making artists in Nakhon Si Thammarat; the Luk Wa Group, a group of young volunteers promoting the unique handicrafts of Phetchaburi; and the Chao Phraya Abhaibhubejhr Hospital, a centre of alternative medicine and herbal medicine treatment.
Other activities include an exhibition and tasting session of seasonal fruits from the Eastern region, as well as an organic coffee brewing demonstration, where the drink will be served and paired with Thai desserts.
How will the specially-curated tours complement the showcases to enrich the delegate experience?
In addition to the showcases at the event, we also have pre- and post-tours for buyers and the media to get first-hand experiences of Thailand’s many new chapters.
The pre-tours feature customised routes that highlight Bangkok’s responsible and sustainable tourism. The ‘New Chapter of Bangkok Food Tour’ features a food walk in the Bang Rak area and a Michelin bus food tour.
The ‘Scootdy Tour in Bangkok Multi- cultural community’ involves a scooter ride to the charming Kudichin community, while the ‘Bangkok and Beyond Tour’ takes participants on an eco-friendly electric boat and trishaw ride to nearby Nonthaburi province.
The post-tours for buyers and media are designed to showcase meaningful travel experiences in various aspects, such as gastronomy, the local way of life, and local wisdom across all five regions of Thailand.
What are some of the event highlights at the TTM+ 2023? Are these also new to the trade show?
Apart from the trade session, event highlights at the TTM+ 2023 include the Thailand product updates, which will inform buyers, sellers, and media on the latest situation and newest tourism products and services.
The TTM Talk will focus on the Future of Thai Tourism, and the GMS Media Briefing, where Greater Mekong Subregion countries will provide updates on their tourism situation and trends.
New to the trade show is the Amazing Thailand Culinary City, a trade and consumer event. This will expand the prospect of gastronomy tourism in Thailand to the international level and become an on-site B2B stage between buyers and 30 Thai entrepreneurs offering culinary experiences ranging from a food tour, dinner cruise to Thai cooking class. The event will also feature a panel discussion along with a showcase and tasting session of Thai food.
How will TTM+ uphold TAT’s sustainability commitment?
At TTM+2023, TAT’s efforts on sustainability are portrayed through our criteria for selecting the sellers.
Qualified sellers must have sustainability projects and campaigns, such as CSR projects about the environment, reducing the use of electricity, conserving water, supporting the local communities, or providing guests with insights into the history, culture, or background of the community.
In addition, there is also the Sustainable Tourism Goals (STGs) standard exhibition at the Thailand Pavilion to promote our effort to actively implement the STGs in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations. This drive will be a national drive that will encompass the entire Thai tourism industry.
Keen to find out more about Thailand’s leading annual travel trade event?
For more information on the TTM+ 2023, visit here.
For the latest news and updates in Thai tourism industry, visit here.
