Bangkok, 15 December, 2016 – After 15 consecutive years of being Thailand’s largest B2B tourism trade event, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) continues its successful tourism fair hosting to announce the 16th Thailand Travel Mart Plus Amazing Gateway to the Greater Mekong Subregion (TTM+) 2017 in the northern Thai capital of Chiang Mai.
To be held on 14 – 16 June, 2017, at the Chiang Mai International Exhibition and Convention Centre (CMECC), the event will bear the theme of “Discover Unique Local Experiences.” Registrations for buyers and sellers will open on 15 December, 2016, via its official website www.thailandtravelmartplus.com
Organised annually by TAT, the TTM+ has gained a reputation among the Thai and international tourism industries as a “must-attend” event in their calendar. It is proven to be very popular for exhibiting the many creative new travel products and services emerging all around the country and the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS).
The TTM+ 2017 will provide an excellent platform for all participants, both sellers and buyers, to meet with current and potential business partners, as well as to introduce, update, and expand their business.
The event is also a great opportunity for especially the small- and medium-sized enterprises in the tourism industry to showcase and boost their profiles to the international market. Local and international media will also be invited to publicise and promote the event.
Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT Governor said, “Once again, the TTM+ is to be held in Chiang Mai as the feedback from the TTM+ 2016 was very much in favour of this charming Thai Northern province, as it is positioned as the closest Thai gateway to our neighbours in the GMS, with a spacious convention centre and superb hotel facilities to accommodate all the guests.”
He added, “The improving transportation connectivity in the GMS enhances the appeal of the entire area, giving buyers and media a chance to explore the many emerging new products and services.
“Also, the TTM+ 2017 has a special focus on exquisite forums with high-level keynote speakers, tourism showcases and workshop, and the new highlight: a local tourism-related products and services exhibition from local suppliers.
“Additionally, we will emphasise the new Thai tourism campaign “Amazing Thailand, Discover Amazing Stories: The Unique Thai Local Experiences”, which features Thailand’s local experiences that travellers can obtain in a specific area, distinctive stories with its own history, culture, or tradition, considering an element of the journey that leads travellers to learn the way of Thai life. Whereas each community has its own unique tales and expertise, this offers travellers exciting new perspectives.”
TAT is expecting 350 quality buyers from over 60 countries across the globe. This is in line with the strategy to penetrate emerging source markets; such as, Eastern Europe, the Commonwealth of Independent States, the 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.
Among exhibitors, TAT is expecting 400 sellers from all regions of Thailand and the GMS countries The rest of the exhibitors will include the normal range of hotels/resorts, tour operators/travel agents, entertainment facilities, transportation, tourism attractions, travel associations, NTOs and other travel services.
Registration fee
Buyers: 300 USD (10,500 Baht) for hosted buyers. For non-hosted buyers, the fee for foreign delegates is 200 USD (7,000 Baht) and local delegates 100 USD (3,500 Baht). Late deciders (local buyers only) can register on-site for a fee of 150 USD (5,250 Baht). Applications are open from 15 December, 2016 until 15 March, 2017.
Sellers: 30,000 Baht for early bird participants, who pay within 15 February, 2017. The fee will rise to 35,000 Baht after 15 February, 2017. The online application will be available only until 15 March, 2017 so is the payment deadline.
