The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) hosted more than 400 buyers at its annual Thailand Travel Mart Plus (TTM+) trade networking event held in Khao Lak last this week.
The event was held at the JW Marriott Khao Lak, attracted more than 425 global buyers, generating some 15,000 appointments with 430 sellers from across the country.
It enjoyed a strong turnout, with a record number of buyers: 425 from East Asia (30.4%), Europe (25.2%), ASEAN, South Asia and the South Pacific (20.9%), the Americas, Africa, and the Middle East (11.3%), as well as Thailand (12.2%).
The TTM+ announced its strategy for 2024: meaningful stories and a strong focus on sustainable tourism development. The message this year was the sharing of meaningful travel experiences, with a strong focus on sustainable tourism development. Phang Nga is poised to be Thailand’s next tourism hub, with an international airport set to open in 2027.
Sermsak Pongpanit, Minister of Tourism and Sports, presided over the opening ceremony. Joining him at the event were Niracha Banditchat, Vice Governor of Phang-Nga Province, Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Lertsak Ponklin, President of Phang-Nga Tourism Association, and officials and figures from the Thai public and private sectors.
Amongst the 400+ buyers, 21 buyers and media from Australia and New Zealand, who were also able to sample some meaningful local experiences before and after the event, attending tours in Phuket, Khao Lak and Krabi.
Delegates were treated to two gala events at nearby resorts, La Vela where the entertainment even included a DJ performance by Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT Governor, and La Vita Sana, which showcased local food, wine and handicrafts with a walking street atmosphere.
Delegates also attended the grand opening of luxury resort: The Little Shore, where they were entertained with live music, fire dancing performances and fireworks.
This year, in its 21st edition, the TTM+ presents the theme ‘Amazing Thailand: Your Stories Never End’, the latest marketing communication campaign recently launched by the TAT. The dynamic theme shines a spotlight on Thailand’s direction towards delivering meaningful travel experiences.
“The TTM+ 2024 has been conceptualised to showcase diverse tourism offerings and our ‘smart tourism’ strategy, which is aimed at elevating Thai tourism’s competitiveness,” Thapanee Kiatphaibool said.
