Bangkok, 15 December 2015 – After 14 consecutive years of being held in Bangkok, the 15th Thailand Travel Mart Plus Amazing Gateway to the Greater Mekong Subregion will be relocated to the northern Thai capital of Chiang Mai in 2016.
To be held between 8-10 June, 2016, at the Chiang Mai International Exhibition and Convention Centre (CMECC), the event will bear the theme of “Smile with Us.” Registrations for buyers and sellers are now open and can be accessed here:
Buyer Registration: http://www.thailandtravelmartplus.com/buyer.php
Seller Registration: http://www.thailandtravelmartplus.com/seller.php
Organised annually by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the TTM+ is Thailand’s largest annual B2B tourism and travel trade event. Over the years, it has proven to be very popular for exhibiting the many creative new travel products and services emerging all around the country and the GMS, especially the small and medium sized enterprises.
Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT Governor said, “The time is right for TTM+ to be moved to another location. Chiang Mai is perfectly suited because it is the closest Thai city to our neighbours in the GMS with a new convention centre and superb hotel facilities to accommodate all the guests.”
He added, “The emergence of Myanmar as a major tourism destination, plus the improving transportation connectivity in the GMS will further enhance the appeal of the entire area, giving buyers and media a chance to explore the many emerging new products and services.”
TAT is expecting 400 buyers from 50 countries. This is in line with the strategy to penetrate emerging source markets; such as, Eastern Europe, the Commonwealth of Independent States, Middle East, South America and South Africa. Tour operators who do not currently feature Thailand and the GMS countries in their product profile will also get priority in order to interest them in expanding their client base.
The registration fee for hosted buyers is 300 USD (9,600 Baht). For non-hosted buyers, the fee for foreign delegates is 200 USD (6,400 Baht) and local delegates 100 USD (3,200 Baht). Late deciders can register on-site for a fee of 150 USD (4,800 Baht). Applications are open until 28 February, 2016.
Amongst exhibitors, TAT is projecting 400 booths from all regions of Thailand and the GMS countries with a special focus on four main niche-market product groups: 1. Ecotourism and Experience Thainess; 2. Wedding and Honeymoon; 3. Health and Wellness, and 4. The 12 Hidden Gems.
The rest of the exhibitors will include the normal range of hotels / resorts, tour operators / travel agents; entertainment facilities; transportation; golf courses; travel associations; NTOs and others.
Registration fee for exhibitors is 30,000 Baht for early bird participants before 15 February, 2016. After that, the rate will rise to 35,000 Baht. The deadline is 28 February, 2016.
Mr. Yuthasak said, “This event will be right in line with the TAT strategy to enhance the marketing profile of the secondary destinations in Thailand and the GMS and better distribute jobs and income around the region. It will also be an excellent opportunity for the excellent range of tourism products; such as, health and wellness centres, ecotourism resorts and national parks to market themselves.”
Registration details and further information are available here: http://www.thailandtravelmartplus.com/
