Strong turnout sees TTM+ buzzing with activity

BANGKOK - The Thailand Travel Mart Plus (TTM+) 2014 was buzzing with activity on the opening day as hundreds of buyers and sellers gathered for three days of business discussions at the Impact Muang Thong Thani Convention and Exhibition Centre.

“There could be no better indicator of confidence in the Thai tourism industry,” said Tourism Authority of Thailand Governor Thawatchai Arunyik. “If a picture is said to speak a thousand words, these pictures tell the story very well. We are very grateful to all the buyers and travel media from around the world who accepted our invitation.”

The TTM+, Thailand’s largest travel trade show, has attracted a total of 314 buyers from 45 countries, mostly from China, the UK, Australia, India, South Africa and Japan.

Following registration in the morning, Buyers and Sellers attended two separate forums focussing on the theme “Amazing Thailand – Simplicity to Luxury.”

The Buyers learned about many interesting Thai cultural, religious, social and lifestyle activities that could be offered to luxury travellers who are increasingly looking for “experiential holidays.”

Sourced: TravelDailyNews

Mr Daniel Fraser, a long-time Thailand resident and presenter of a popular Thai TV programme, said, “Thailand is number one in luxury tourism. Even millionaires now like to connect with local communities because they feel enriched by grassroots experiences.”

At the Sellers forum, speaker Sue Langley, an Australia-based specialist in emotional intelligence and positive psychology, outlined how Thailand needs to continue to send positive messages about life as normal to counter the negative images. She said she herself had ignored the media news coverage and opted to go ahead with her speaking engagement.

The TTM+ was opened in the evening with welcoming speeches by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, Mr Suwat Sidthilaw and Governor Thawatchai.

Trade appointments will be held on 5-6 June followed by fam trips to many parts of Thailand on 7 June.