The recently concluded Thailand Travel Mart Plus (TTM+), organised by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to promote Thailand to the world, had generated 12,670 business appointments between buyers and sellers and resulted in transactions worth an estimated 3.4 billion baht (US$96.1 million) for the country’s tourism industry.
However, TAT governor Yuthasak Supasorn told TTG Asia that the value of event participation for Thai travel and tourism sellers goes beyond the monetary transactions.
“Sellers will make and keep a good connection with overseas buyers in the future. It was a good opportunity for sellers to learn more about customising their packages, products, and services to fit with their target customers or to find new source markets,” said Yuthasak.
He added: “Moreover, held in in Thailand, TTM+ 2023 would have made it easier for Thai tourism businesses to close deals since buyers were able to experience first hand the products and services along with new developments in Bangkok and other destinations after their discussions.”
As part of TTM+2023, buyers and media in attendance were invited to pre- and post-show tours that showed off Thailand’s “many new chapters”. Half-day pre-show tours featured three routes that highlighted Bangkok’s responsible and sustainable tourism. An example was the New Chapter of Bangkok Food Tour, which took participants on a food walk in the Bang Rak area and onwards on a Michelin Bus food tour.
The post-show tours explored beyond the capital city, touring Chiang Mai in the north; Nakhon Ratchasima and Prachinburi in the northeast and east; Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, and Nakhon Si Thammarat in the south; Samut Songkhram and Kanchanaburi in the central region; and Chon Buri and Rayong in the east to give buyers and media representatives a taste of meaningful travel experiences.
Yuthasak was pleased with the decision to bring the show back to Bangkok, as it facilitated the focus on the newly revamped Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre as well as many other “potential, well-equipped facilities and venues” that would appeal to inbound international business events.
TAT is in the midst of gathering attendee feedback on the event to better understand interest and demand. Intelligence will be used to shape Thailand’s tourism supply as well as marketing strategy and activities down the road, shared the governor.
Editor’s note: Content has been updated to reflect latest figures released by TAT on business appointments and estimated transaction value.
