Thailand Travel Mart Plus ‘Amazing Gateway to the Greater Mekong Sub-Region’ (TTM+) 2017 opened today at the International Exhibition and Convention Centre (CMECC) in Chiang Mai.
Running from 14 to 16 June, TTM+ and with buyers from all over the world, TTM+ is Thailand and the Greater Mekong Subregion’s opportunity to showcase Thailand’s unique tourism offering and to share the beauty of Lanna culture with international visitors.
Now in its 16th year, a record 362 buyers from 56 nations are attending TTM+ 2017 and connecting with 429 hotels, tours, shows, attractions, restaurants spas and more.
Dancers from the welcome reception. Pic: Matt Leedham
7 Australian buyers and are attending this year’s show with us folk at KarryOn also here to check out all that’s happening in the land of smiles.
Over the next couple of days, delegates and buyers will get the chance to try everything from massage to tasty northern food with numerous examples of local Thai culture, craftsmanship and artistic talent on display.
The Australian contingent incl: Buyers, Agents & Thai Tourism Sydney Office staff
H.E. General Tansanak Patimapragorn, Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister; H.E. Mrs. Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, Thailand’s Minister of Tourism and Sports; and Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand formerly opened the event.
In his address, General Tansanak Patimapragorn said;
“Thailand has great potential for growth via our unique culture, heritage and natural resources. Culture is the spirit of tourism and we want to showcase our humbleness and gift as being wonderful hosts for our visitors.”
H.E. General Tansanak Patimapragorn, Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister
A ‘Tourism Trend Talk Forum’ followed the Opening Ceremony with special guest speakers; H.E. Mrs. Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, Thailand’s Minister of Tourism and Sports; Mr. Mason Florence from The World’s 50 Best Restaurants Academy; Dr. David Beirman Ph.D, Senior Lecturer University of Technology-Sydney; and Ms. Sarah Mathews, Head of Destination Marketing Asia Pacific (APAC), TripAdvisor.
Speakers at The Tourism Trend Talk Forum
The speakers updated delegates on topics such as the rising Thai gastronomy scene, security in an age of terrorism and how digital strategy is affecting the tourism sector and driving new markets.
Mr. Florence provided some background on the Asia’s 50 best restaurants guide and the selection process. Citing the example of India, German and Turkish chefs who had developed great restaurants after setting them up in Bangkok, he said the Thai capital is offers an “open-minded experimental ground for chefs to work their magic.”
A great example of Thailand’s humour and play on words
He said the Michelin guide coming to Thailand later this year would go long way towards increasing the culinary appeal of Thailand and its reputation as place for great food experiences, ranging from fine dining to street food. He also cited visits to Thailand by famous chefs from Australia and Spain who had enjoyed learning more about Thai culinary ingredients and herbs in an era of growing consciousness of health food.
Prof Beirman praised Thailand as one of the most crisis-resilient countries in the world and one of the best responders to crisis. He said that safety and security concerns are becoming priority and cited the importance of companies and countries to do safety audits.
“How others see us is very important to our reputations. Once people chose destinations because it was good value for money or its beautiful images. But now, the safety factor is becoming most important.”
Dr. David Beirman Ph.D, Senior Lecturer University of Technology-Sydney
He also hailed Thailand for its involvement with PATA’s crisis management team and excellent media management and stakeholder relations. It was also incumbent upon destinations to provide visitors with safety tips, Prof Beirman said.
Ms. Mathews outlined how technology had changed the travel decision making process, and made it easier to find information and share experiences. It had also become an enormous source of travel research.
Ms. Sarah Mathews, Head of Destination Marketing Asia Pacific (APAC), TripAdvisor.
She said travellers first search for special stories and experiences, and then start looking of hotels and other services.
Research on the travel habits of the more than 300 million monthly visitors to TripAdvisor website had shown that culture, costs and climate are key draws when choosing a destination.
“The advantage of data is that everything is measurable. Businesses can also interact and talk to their customers about their preferences and requirements,” she said.
The Welcome Reception Fashion Show
The Welcome Reception concluded in the evening with entertainment including traditional cultural dancing and song and a Fashion Show.
Next year’s 2018 Thai Travel Mart Plus destination was also announced with the event to be held in Pattaya. Dates TBC.