Bangkok, 2 April 2012: Thailand Travel Mart Plus (TTM+) 2012, the Kingdom’s largest business-to-business travel fair, is set for success due to a positive response from over 484 buyers from 61 countries. This represents a 14% increase in the number of buyers for this year’s show, and the highest number of buyers since 2008.
This is also an 11% increase in the number of countries that will be part of the trade event. So far, 403 sellers have registered for booths at TTM+ 2012, which will take place from June 6 to 8 at Impact Exhibition Center Halls 5 & 6 in Bangkok.
The “TTM+: Amazing Gateway to the Greater Mekong Subregion” program at the event highlights tourist attractions in Thailand and its neighbouring countries. This year, the program will not only focus on trade and business, but will also offer a great opportunity for the participants and media to enjoy a full range of post-event tours on June 9 that will showcase Thailand’s world-renowned natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Thailand is ideally located to serve as the travel hub for the Greater Mekong Subregion.
“We are very pleased to bring Thai tour operators, especially small- and medium-sized enterprises, to meet so many buyers from all over the world. Buyers in many markets are showing great enthusiasm for TTM+ 2012, with more than double the number of buyers coming from countries including Brazil, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, India, Israel, Malaysia, Pakistan, and Turkey. This demonstrates great potential for the Thai tourism sector to grow in the future,” said Mr Suraphon Svetasreni, Governor of the TAT.
“We also have participants from countries that are joining the event for the first time, which is a good sign for tourism in Thailand and the entire Greater Mekong Subregion. We will welcome new buyers from Albania, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Chile, Kuwait, Maldives, Nepal, Ukraine, Uruguay, and Uzbekistan. This is promising for potential markets in Eastern Europe, the CIS Countries, the Middle East and South America,” he added.
TTM+ 2012 will feature Thai tourism products geared to four major special interests in a special pavilion, including:
Golf: The TAT will highlight the variety of golf courses, services and golf events in Thailand, which offers over 200 world-class golf courses. In recent years, Thailand has hosted many major golf events such as the Thailand Golf Championship 2011 and the Asia-Pacific Golf Summit 2011.
Weddings & Honeymoons: Thailand is becoming an increasingly popular location for wedding couples and honeymooners. For European markets, the TAT will introduce beautiful destinations for weddings such as beaches, as well as major romantic attractions in northern Thailand.
Green Tourism: With the Thai tourism sector becoming increasingly conscious of environmental responsibility, the TAT will highlight its efforts to promote the eco-friendly management of tourist destinations. Green programs are underway in four pilot areas, which are Nan province; Amphoe Pai in Mae Hong Son province; Amphoe Chiang Khan in Loei province; and Ko Samui in Surat Thani province. At present, there are more than 180 hotels recognized by the Green Leaf Certification Program, and a large variety of eco-friendly tourism products located throughout the Kingdom.
Health & Wellness: Thailand’s health and wellness advantage lies in both prevention and cure. Thai spas excel in quality and diversity, with variety and value that blends Western leisure concepts with traditional Asian therapies. Thailand is also an excellent place for people seeking to learn how to meditate, based on the country’s long-standing Buddhist traditions, as well as learning the healing art of massage.
Other categories of participants featured at TTM+ 2012 include Associations/NTOs; Entertainment; Hotels and Resorts; Tour Operators/Travel Agents; Transportation; and other travel services, as well as the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS).
TTM+ 2012 is expected to attract about 1,000 participants including buyers, sellers and the media. Media registration will start from June 6, including a welcome reception in the evening. There will be a media briefing on Thai tourism on June 7, with the post-event tours for buyers and the media on June 9, 2012.
