Chiang Mai, 14 June 2017 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is proud to host the Thailand Travel Mart Plus Amazing Gateway to the Greater Mekong Subregion (TTM+) 2017 which opened its doors today at the Chiang Mai International Exhibition and Convention Centre (CMECC) in Chiang Mai.
The event, held from 14-16 June, will promote the tourism and the tourism service business sector in Thailand and the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS).
On the opening day of the Thailand Travel Mart 2017, buyers and sellers from 56 countries were able to enjoy a range of Lanna-style displays and see examples of traditional arts, crafts and products.
At the opening ceremony, delegates and members of the press were addressed by H.E. General Tanasak Patimapragorn, Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand; H.E. Mrs. Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, Minister of Tourism and Sports who spoke on the subject of Community-Based Tourism; and Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).
In addition, international experts in tourism gave talks covering topics such as food, security and how digital strategy is affecting the tourism sector and driving new markets.
Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT Governor said, “The Thailand Travel Mart has been held for 16 years now and 2017 promises to be the best yet. We have 388 buyers from markets all over the world as well as sellers from all over Thailand and the GMS. The event shows our international guests not only how much this region offers in terms of high quality tourism good, services and attractions, but also how GMS nations can work together to offer amazing multi-country tourism experiences.”
The theme of (TTM+) 2017 is in line with the current TAT campaign encouraging visitors to discover “Unique Thai Local Experiences” and many examples were on display. Delegates and buyers had the chance to try everything from massage to tasty northern snacks and there were examples of word-carving, umbrella making and health and wellness treatments to enjoy.
In addition, Thailand Travel Mart 2017 buyers and members of the press will get the chance to enjoy a range of tours both before and after the event to discover the unique cultural heritage of Chiang Mai and Lanna and to enjoy the incredible scenery, tasty foods and warm local welcome.
The Thailand Travel Mart was first held in in 2001, with the aim of promoting the tourism sector in Thailand and GMS nations. It is the perfect stage for the small-and-medium enterprises (SMEs) to show their offerings to an international audience as buyers come from markets including Europe, Southeast Asia, Eastern Asia, the US, Australia, and New Zealand, as well as emerging markets, such as the CIS countries, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, South America, and South Africa.
Mr. Yuthasak said, “Thailand Travel Mart is about more than buying and selling, it also celebrates tourism’s ability to bring people together and help them to make a personal connection with the places they visit. We hope that everyone goes home with new contacts and new friends and we wish everyone a successful event.”
