Tourism Breaking News
Thailand’s leading B2B travel industry show, the Thailand Travel Mart Plus (TTM+) 2023, kicked off in Bangkok attended by key agents in the Middle East. Hon. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Tourism and Sports, opened the event welcoming everyone. “It is indeed an honour and pleasure for me to meet everyone of you, who have travelled from around the world and entrepreneurs living in Thailand who have come to participate in the Thailand Travel Mart Plus 2023 in Bangkok today. After covid-19 pandemic, ‘shaping supply’ is what Thailand’s tourism has put in mind and has been increasingly concerned about. In other words, we realize that developing the quality of tourism products and services and most importantly experiences for the entire journey are key to meet the demand of quality travellers. Meanwhile, sustainability is playing a crucial role in improving the supply side. Thus, it has been addressed in our strategy that implements the “Bio-Circular-Green” economy concept to design travel experiences and deliver meaningful trips to travellers, as well as initiate and implement the sustainable tourism goals to set a frame work advocating sustainability in the environment, socio-economy, management, and culture for tourism related businesses in Thailand. In order to successfully drive Thailand towards sustainable tourism and being a quality destination, we cannot do it alone. However, we need support from you and the stakeholders in the tourism industry to make it happen.”
Last year, Thailand received 96,389 travellers from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, 65,857 from the UAE, Kuwait came in next with 44,566 travellers followed by Oman with 26,745 travellers and Qatar with 23,170. Last month at the Arabian Travel Market, Yuthasak Supasorn – TAT Governor reiterated, that they expect one million visitors from the Middle East by 2025.
Speaking about the event, Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT Governor, said “This year, the TTM+ 2023 will continue to shine a spotlight on the Thai tourism industry’s ongoing efforts towards a meaningful travel direction through the promotion and development of high value and sustainable tourism. As the premier showcase of Thai tourism, this year’s TTM+ will present how we are elevating supply and sustainable standards while leveraging the kingdom’s 5F soft-power foundations of Food, Film, Festival, Fight and Fashion to maintain tourists’ confidence in Thailand as a preferred destination.”
The TTM+ 2023 has been conceptualised in line with the ‘Visit Thailand Year 2023: Amazing New Chapters’ marketing campaign, to showcase travel products, services, and experiences that promote Thai cultural values for a meaningful travel experience. It also corresponds with TAT’s strategy to leverage technology and innovation to add value and transform Thai tourism to ‘Smart Tourism’ and accelerate Thailand’s tourism ecosystem to quality and sustainability.
This year’s TTM+ attracted over 850 participants, including 350 buyers from 50 countries, 400 sellers from across all five regions of Thailand, as well as 100 local and international media. Buyers include those from key source markets – Europe, ASEAN, East Asia, America, and Australia – and emerging markets – Eastern Europe, Middle East, South America, and South Africa.
