Yuthasak Supasorn, Director General of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), has unveiled the fascinating program attendees can enjoy at this year’s Thailand’s most prestigious annual B2B travel trade event, which runs from May 31 to June 2
brought to you Tourism Authority of Thailand
The theme of this year’s Thailand Travel Mart Plus (TTM+) is Visit Thailand 2023: An amazing new chapter. Can you explain the purpose behind it?
We would like to invite friends from all over the world to come to our wonderful country and write their own impressive chapters which they can then share with their friends and family.
We focus on experiential tourism and hope to provide fresh travel experiences, aiming to create meaningful travel experiences for travelers and benefit local communities and the environment.
How will this theme permeate the entire project of TTM+? Can you share more about the planned showcase?
Over the three days of TTM+ 2023, the “Amazing New Chapter” experience will be depicted through many displays – such as Araksa Tea Garden, an organic tea garden in Chiang Mai; Ruk-Khon, a group of shadow puppet artists in Nakhon Si Thammarat; Luk Wa Group, a group of Young volunteers promoting Phetchaburi’s unique handicrafts; and Chao Phraya Abhaibhubejhr Hospital, a center for alternative medicine and herbal healing.
Other events include an exhibition and tasting of seasonal fruits from the Eastern region, and an organic coffee brewing demonstration, which will be served alongside Thai desserts.
How will specially curated tours complement the showcases to enrich the attendee experience?
In addition to the presentations at the event, we also provided buyers and media with before and after tours to experience Thailand’s many new chapters first-hand.
The pre-tour features a bespoke itinerary highlighting responsible and sustainable tourism in Bangkok. “A New Chapter in Bangkok Food Tours” features food walks and Michelin bus food tours in the Bang Rak district.
The “Bangkok Multicultural Neighborhood Scootdy Tour” includes a scooter ride to the charming Kudichin neighborhood, while the “Bangkok and Beyond Tour” takes participants on an eco-friendly electric boat and tricycle to nearby Nonthaburi province.
The post-tour event for buyers and media aims to showcase meaningful travel experiences in all five regions of Thailand in terms of food, local lifestyle and local wisdom.
What are the highlights of TTM+ 2023? Are these also new to the trade show?
In addition to the trade segment, event highlights at TTM+ 2023 include Thailand Product Update, which will inform buyers, sellers and media about the latest developments and the latest travel products and services.
TTM Talk will focus on the future of tourism in Thailand and a GMS media briefing where GMS countries will provide updates on their tourism status and trends.
A newcomer to the trade show is Amazing Thailand Culinary City, a trade and consumer event. This will expand the prospect of Thai food tourism to an international level and serve as a live B2B stage between buyers and 30 Thai entrepreneurs, offering gourmet experiences ranging from food tours, dinner cruises to Thai cooking classes. The event will also include panel discussions as well as presentations and tastings of Thai cuisine.
How will TTM+ maintain TAT’s commitment to sustainable development?
At TTM+2023, TAT’s sustainability efforts are reflected through our criteria for selecting sellers.
Eligible sellers must have sustainability programs and activities, such as CSR programs about the environment, reducing electricity usage, conserving water, supporting local communities, or providing guests with insight into a community’s history, culture, or background.
In addition, the Thailand Pavilion also has a Sustainable Tourism Goals (STGs) standard exhibition to promote our active implementation of STGs in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The drive will be a national drive covering tourism across Thailand.
Want to learn more about Thailand’s leading annual travel trade event?
For more information on TTM+ 2023, please visit here.
For the latest news and updates on tourism in Thailand, visit here.
