Over 330 Int. Buyers Expected @ Thailand Travel Mart Plus (TTM+) 2012

This year’s Thailand Travel Mart Plus (TTM+) 2012 trade fair will highlight the comprehensive variety of tourism products, experiences and attractions the Kingdom of Thailand offers under the theme “Customize Your Experience”.

TTM+ 2012, which will take place at IMPACT Exhibition Center Halls 5 & 6 in Nonthaburi, just outside Bangkok, between 6-8 June, will see over 330 buyers from countries across the globe meeting with more than 380 Thai sellers of tourism products and services.

“The TAT [Tourism Authority of Thailand] is delighted to welcome operators and industry practitioners from all over the world to join TTM+2012, where they will discover how they can help their clients ‘Customize Your Experience’ to explore Thailand in the way that meets their individual interests and preferences. We are looking forward to a highly successful event, with more than 80 buyers from European countries, over 40 buyers from the US and Canada, and about 35 buyers from Australia and New Zealand. We will also welcome many new buyers from emerging markets including Eastern Europe, the CIS Countries, the Middle East and South America,” said Mr Suraphon Svetasreni, Governor of the TAT.

TTM+ 2012 is focusing on four key tourism categories, which are golf, ecotourism, weddings & honeymoons, and health & wellness. Thai tourism products and services in these categories have experienced tremendous growth over the past few years, and this trend is expected to continue in the future, especially among repeat visitors who account for about 60% of all international arrivals to Thailand.

“In addition to creating opportunities for Thai and international sellers and buyers to meet and expand their business horizons, the TAT will continue to demonstrate our support for intra-regional travel at TTM+ 2012. We will welcome several NTOs from the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) including Bhutan, China’s Yunnan and Guangxi provinces, Cambodia, Laos PDR, Myanmar, and Vietnam. When combined with all that Thailand has to offer, TTM+ 2012 will be a great opportunity for global tour operators to see the GMS’ immense potential as a destination with an unmatched variety of experiences and attractions for their clients,” said Governor Suraphon.

TTM+ 2012 will kick off on 5 June with five complementary half-day tours for buyers attending the trade fair. They can choose from customised experiences including Bangkok Smile Bike; City Prosperous Twilight Capital; Shopping Phenomenon; Relaxing in the City; and Spicy Route. As seats are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis, buyers should make their reservations early.

On 6 June, the first day of the actual trade fair, participants and members of the media are invited to join a forum and panel discussion. The event kicks off with a keynote speech on “A Changing World: The Challenges for the Tourism Business” by Mr Bill Sanderson, Managing Director of Bill Sanderson Limited.

There will also be a panel discussion on the topic “Customize Your Experience in Thailand” moderated by Mr Mike Sebastian, Chief Executive Office, Asia Pacific Golf Group. Panelists covering the four key tourism categories being highlighted at TTM+ 2012 include “Golf” by Mr Mark Siegal, Manager Director of Golfasian; “Health & Wellness” by Mr Andrew Jacka, President of Thai Spa Association; “Eco-tourism” by Ms Chananya Phataraprasit, Executive Director of Asian Oasis; and “Weddings & Honeymoons” by Ms Neha Mehrotra, Owner of Foreign Wedding Planners, Mr Kim Gwang Lim, Manager of the Happy Honeymoon Club, and Mr Keith Baker, Manager of Tzell Travel Group.

Following TTM+ 2012, buyers can enrich their Thailand experience through several post-event tours that take place during 9-11 June. They can choose from three options: Golden Culture, Weddings & Honeymoons, and World Heritage, at special prices ranging from US$200 to US$600 depending on the route and accommodations.

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