TTM+ delegates applaud new format

Pattaya – The Thailand Travel Mart Plus ended successfully on 15 June with positive feedback for the new format launched by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to make travel trade shows more focussed and relevant in changing times.

General feedback received from the post-event survey forms indicated encouraging support for holding the event for the first time in a yacht marina with a targetted theme focussed on romance, honeymoons and weddings.

As the TTM+ was making a return to Pattaya since last being held here in 2001, the 290 invited buyers from 48 countries and international media also had a chance to see many of the new tourism products, services and attractions that have emerged in Pattaya, its environs and the entire Eastern Seaboard of Thailand.

Executives from TAT’s Tourism Management Program attended TTM+ 2018 Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT Governor, said “The new concept was designed to accommodate the rapid changes taking place in both the depth and breadth of the way business is being done in travel and tourism. Like any new experiment, it carried an element of risk, but we are glad to see that it paid off.”

Two of the most important changes made this year were making a break from chasing numbers, and shifting away from using the traditional exhibition hall venue.

Mr. Yuthasak added, “By focussing on the niche-market theme of romance, the numbers became less important. The over-arching goal was to create more exposure and networking opportunities for our small and medium sized enterprises.

“Of the 336 sellers, the vast majority were the hotels and accommodation sector, especially SMEs. Because all weddings, honeymoons, anniversaries and other romantic holidays are different, at this TTM+ the specialist buyers got a chance to see the sheer diversity of our product range.”

The respondents said that keeping it only in a table-top format also helped reduce costs and gave all delegates an opportunity to network and discuss business in a much more friendly and hospitable atmosphere.

“We received some very useful feedback and suggestions. It will go a long way towards helping to continue improving this leading show for our SMEs, especially those who cannot afford to exhibit in international trade shows.”

TAT thanked all the supporters and sponsors (Air Asia, Bangkok Airways, TCEB, King Power, Chonburi Provincial Administrative Organization) for their partnership and cooperation which made the event possible.