Thailand’s largest annual travel trade show got underway in Bangkok this week, as the country tries to kick start its tourism industry following the recent protests and coup.
The Thailand Travel Mart Plus (TTM+) 2014, which showcases Thailand and the Grater Mekong region, takes place over three days at the Thai capital’s Impact Muang Thong Thani Convention & Exhibition Centre.
And despite the recent troubles in the kingdom, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) said it was very happy with the turn-out.
“There could be no better indicator of confidence in the Thai tourism industry,” said TAT governor Thawatchai Arunyik. “If a picture is said to speak a thousand words, these pictures tell the story very well. We are very grateful to all the buyers and travel media from around the world who accepted our invitation.”
This year’s TTM+ has attracted a total of 314 buyers from 45 countries, with the largest contingents from China, the UK, Australia, India, South Africa and Japan.
The opening day on Wednesday saw buyers and sellers attended two separate forums focusing on the theme ‘Amazing Thailand – Simplicity to Luxury’. Buyers were able to learn about Thailand’s cultural, religious, social and lifestyle activities that could be offered to luxury travellers, while the seller forum outlined how Thailand needs to send out positive messages about the country to counter the negative images often seen in the international media.
Trade appointments are being held on 5-6 June, before buyers are taken on TAT-organised fam trips on 7 June.
Thailand’s tourism operations have been largely unaffected by the recent coup, with all tourism services and facilities remaining open for business. The night-time curfew did cause minor disruption, but this has now been lifted in three main resort destinations – Phuket, Pattaya and Koh Samui – and there are hopes that more areas will follow in the coming days and weeks.
Source: Travel Daily