TAT Governor Mr. Thawatchai Arunyik said, “In spite of the current political situation, we are very pleased that many buyers and sellers are still assured to attend the event. This is a major vote of confidence in Thailand, the quality of our tourism products and services, and the determination of the travel trade to go on with business as usual.”
The thirteenth TTM+2014 is designed to promote the tourism and service business in Thailand and its Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) counterparts. Moreover, TTM+ buyers and media can also enjoy a full range of pre and post tours showcasing Thailand's world-renowned natural beauty and rich cultural heritage and see it first-hand that it is “business as usual” in Bangkok and Thailand.
This year's theme, “Experience with Us”, reflects the fact the leisure travel is shifting away from just recreational holidays to more experiential and fulfilling activities.
This year, the exhibition area is divided into two groups: Product-Based and Leisure.Mr. Thawatchai said, “Today's travellers want to “experience” something new, learn something, and satisfy a deeper need for participation, creativity, community, and idealism. That is why we launched “Thainess”, our way of life as embodied in our culture, art, food and way of life.”
Four experiential Thainess products are being presented for the first time in one area: 1) Ecotourism, 2) Wedding and Honeymoon, 3) Health and Wellness, 4) Experience Thainess products; such as, Thai boxing and Thai cooking classes.
The sellers of leisure products cover the normal range including hotels, tour operators, entertainment, transportation, golf courses, associations, NTOs, GMS and other travel services.
Of the 403 seller organisations registered, 77% are repeat sellers while 23% are new participants.
The 296 buyers from 46 countries are equally divided 50-50 between first time and 50% repeat buyers. The top five major buyers by country are China (35), United Kingdom (26), Australia (18), India (18), South Africa (16), and Japan (14).
44% of buyers are from Europe, Africa and the Middle East region. 24% are from ASEAN, South Asia and the South Pacific. 23% are from East Asia and 9% are from the American region.
“We have invited buyers from major markets (Europe, South East Asia, East Asia, America and Australia) and new potential markets (East Europe, CIS countries, the Middle East, South America and South Africa). A special effort has been made to reach out to tour operators who plan to feature Thailand for the first time,” the Governor added.
“In preparation for the ASEAN Economic Community in 2015, we also believe this is an excellent opportunity to promote many wonderful and emerging destinations and attractions in the provincial regions, especially in those areas bordering our Greater Mekong Subregion neighbours – Lao PDR, Cambodia and Myanmar.
An industry forum will be held on the topic of “Amazing Thailand – Simplicity to Luxury”. Media briefings will be given by TAT, the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau and the Myanmar Ministry of Hotels and Tourism. The final thank-you party will be held on 6 June, 2014.
On 3 June ,2014, four complimentary pre-tours are being organised for media and buyers to explore and experience “Thainess” tourism products, such as:
1) Grace and Grandeur in Rattanakosin: visit the Grand Palace, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Audience Hall, Reception Hall and Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles.
2) Wellbeing & Being Well: visit “Chetawan Retreat Resort”, a Thai traditional healthcare resort.
3) Thainess through Culinary: visit “Baipai Thai Cooking School”, where participants will get to prepare, cook and enjoy fine Thai cuisine.
4) Thainess through Traditional Trading Street: walk through Thailand's trading streets (Yaowarat, Sampheng Wholesale Market, Phahurat (Little India), and Pak Khlong Talat (Flower Market).
From 7 June, 2014, onwards, buyers and media will also be able to avail of a range of post-tours such as:
1) Old Kingdoms, New Perspectives, Chiang Rai – Chiang Saen – Chiang Khong.
2) Green and Organics in an Ancient Kingdom, Chiang Mai.
3) Learn, Relax and Rejuvenate, Bangkok – Nakhon Pathom.
4) Pinnacles of Southern Luxury, Phuket – Khao Lak – Phang Nga.
5) Tying Knots and Honeymoon on an Idyllic Island, Samui – Ko Tao – Ko Nang Yuan.
Trade visitors to the TTM+ should also take the opportunity to visit the Thailand Tourism Festival 2014 (TTF), the largest showcase event for domestic tourism, which will be held alongside the TTM+ between 4 – 8 June at IMPACT Challenger Hall 1-3.
The TTF features hundreds of small and medium sized enterprises including hotels and products highlighting grassroots culture, cuisine, traditions and lifestyle along with stage performances and demonstrations of local arts and craft.
For more details, please log on to: www.thailandtravelmartplus.com
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