Bangkok, 20 September, 2016 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is projecting a significant growth in international weddings and honeymoons being celebrated in Thailand after hosting its first “Destination Wedding Planners Congress (DWP Congress)” at the Laguna Golf Phuket between 2-4 May 2017.
Mrs. Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, Minister of Tourism and Sports added, “Thailand will leave no stone unturned in ensuring the best of preparations for this Congress in order to become a global wedding hub for couples of every nationality. We definitely have to work as a team. If we want to be the World’s Best Wedding Destination, we really need to enhance our expertise and better understand all our source markets.”
The global weddings industry is estimated to have a total value of US$298 billion, of which the value of foreign country weddings is US$80 billion.
Thailand is the first to host the DWP Congress in Asia. It can accommodate any kind of thematic celebration to the newlyweds, or the married couples seeking a memorable anniversary with its strength of diverse locations ranging from pristine beaches to green mountains and professional organisers to deliver a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ moment for couples.
Moreover, the country is well established as a top-ranked wedding destination, including first on the Top Destination for Asia, third in the Top Destination for Australia and New Zealand, sixth in the Top Destination for Europe, third in Emerging Destination for the Middle East, and first in Emerging Destination for Africa.
Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT Governor said, “This is exactly in line with the policy to focus on high-spending, long-staying, niche-market visitors, distributing income and creating jobs in the provincial areas. Wedding ceremonies typically involve at least 20 people, with an expenditure of 5-20 million Baht per event, depending on its size.”
At the moment, Thailand is very popular as a wedding destination in India and Hong Kong. From India alone, more than 400 weddings have taken place here. The numerous hotels, wedding planners, and others serving this market have set up the first / to promote, protect, and preserve standards of professionalism and service amongst the various suppliers.
Each year, more than 450 wedding planners and organisers, luxury hotels, destination management companies, and NTOs from around the world typically attend the event.
They include influential decision-making buyers selected by the organising committee from the UK, USA, Brazil, Italy, Spain, France, Switzerland, Russia, Croatia, Lebanon, Africa, Guatemala, UAE, India, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia and Indonesia.
Since 2014, the DWP Congress has been held annually in Greece, Mauritius and Italy, making Thailand the fourth country to host it. Organised by the QNA International Company Limited, it includes a B2B trade session with pre-scheduled appointment sessions, seminars and networking sessions, lecturers and guest speakers on current topics and issues.
Mr. Yuthasak said, “This will be the first of Destination Wedding Planners Congress to be held in Asia. We expect the Congress will go a long way towards raising the image of Thailand as a wedding destination globally, and showcasing our superb range of destinations, venues, as well as the unique products and services that make each event memorable and extraordinary.”
“Such events have an enormous ripple-effect benefit as they generate income for numerous suppliers of products and services; such as, decorations, gifts and souvenirs, party arrangements, F&B, audio-visual equipment, musicians, singers, and many more.”
TAT Governor added, “The TAT is keen to expand its source-markets for weddings to long-haul destinations such as Europe, USA, Latin America, etc. I would like to thank all those who have partnered with the TAT to help us host what we are certain will be a successful event, with clear long-term benefits for Thailand.”
From left: Mr. Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, TAT Executive Director of Information Technology Office; Mr. Sidh N.C., Director Business Development, QNA International; Mrs. Kobkarn Wattanavrangku, Minister of Tourism and Sports; Mr. Ackash Jain, Director of QNA International, Dubai; Mrs. Juthaporn Rerngronasa, TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing (Europe, Africa, Middle East and the Americas); and Mrs. Pattaraporn Sithivanich, TAT Executive Director of the Americas Region
Mr. Ackash Jain, Director of QNA International, Dubai
Mr. Sidh N.C., Director Business Development, QNA International
