Cha-am / Hua Hin, 12 February, 2019 – Afternoon tea in the Mrigadayavan Palace, the elegant summer palace of Thailand’s Royal Family, is to be the highlight of the welcoming at the 4th Amazing Thailand Romance Trade Meet to be held from 12 to 13 February, 2019.
Mrigadayavan Palace was the seaside palace of King Vajiravudh or King Rama VI, who reigned Siam from 1910 to 1925. A national heritage site, the magnificent structure consists of 16 teak buildings connected by balconies and corridors with excellent ventilation.
More than 71 buyers specialising in the weddings and honeymoon niche-market from 20 countries including the United States, Canada, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, France, the UAE, Russia, Italy, Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, the UK, Australia, China, Hong Kong, South Korea, India, Malaysia, and Indonesia will be attending the trade meet.
This is the first time it is being held in the twin beach resorts of Cha-am and Hua Hin, located an easy few hours’ drive from Bangkok.
The buyers will meet 136 Thai sellers from 87 companies who have been carefully chosen to feature some of the country’s most exclusive and discerning products for a rapidly growing market.
According to TAT’s research, in 2018, Thailand received over 880,000 visitors for weddings and honeymoon in Thailand, generating an estimated 48 billion Baht in tourism revenue. Of these, 49,760 were wedding couples, generating an estimated 2.7 billion Baht in tourism revenue. The top-five markets were South Korea, India, Japan, USA and the United Kingdom.
In the same year, Thailand hosted 830,617 honeymooners, generating an estimated 45 billion Baht in income. The top-five markets were China, South Korea, India, Russia and the USA.
In 2018-2019, TAT is projecting a 5% growth in the weddings and honeymoon market.
Mrs. Srisuda Wanapinyosak, TAT Deputy Governor of International Marketing – Europe, Africa, Middle East and Americas (above photo), said, “The focus on this high-value weddings and honeymoon market is in line with our plan to grow visitor expenditure per capita and give more exposure to the unique products in the emerging destinations.
“Our strategy is designed to increase Thailand’s brand image by showcasing our unique range of attractions and provide more insights for Thai sellers to upgrade their products and services in line with changing customer trends.”
On 12 February, 2019, the first day of the trade meet, all the buyers are being taken to visit the Mrigadayavan Palace where they will have afternoon tea at the Chao Phraya Rama Rakop Residence.
Mrs. Srisuda added, “The opening of the Mrigadayavan Palace for such exclusive private parties for pre-weddings and honeymoons is expected to be a major draw card for buyers seeking exclusive new services and products to present to their respective guests.”
Later, the buyers will attend a welcome reception at the Movenpick Hotel Asara Resort & Spa Hua Hin.
The main business events will be held on 13 February at the Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin. These include a briefing presentation on the Amazing Thailand Romance Market Insight for Thai sellers, and the Thailand product presentation for buyers.
Thailand is already winning major accolades for its growing range of sophisticated and classy products catering to the Weddings and Honeymoon sector.
In 2018, Thailand received the Best Wedding Destination award from Wonderlust Magazine in the UK. In 2017, Thailand was voted as one of the 20 Romantic Destinations of the world by Bride Magazine of the USA at the Bridge Magazine Annual Honeymoon Awards. In 2016, Thailand was voted as the Best Wedding Destination by the readers of Travel + Leisure India and South Asia.
