Thailand Travel Mart hosts travel industry showcase

The Tourism Authority of Thailand held the Thailand Travel Mart 2007 and Amazing Gateway to Greater Mekong Subregion 2007 recently. It was the biggest event of its kind ever held in the Kingdom.

There were 508 buyers and trades people from all over the globe; and they were mostly represented by the countries whose citizens visit Thailand on a regular basis. Countries like the United Kingdon, Germany, the Scandinavian countries, the Americas were represented along with more unlikely participants like Kazahkstan, Morocco and Tunisia.

Regional buyers from Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar and Laos also attended. “We are trying to raise the Thai profile in new regions like North Africa, Russia/CIS/Baltic regions, and South America. Over time, as airline contacts grow, there is little doubt these countries will become good sources of visitor arrivals,� said the Tourism Authority of Thailand Governor Mrs Phornsiri Manoharn.

The festival itself saw many traditional Thai arts, crafts and theatre on display. The buyers had a chance to meet and mingle and talk shop while taking in some of what the country’s culture has to offer.