Last updated: 3:50 PM ET, Thu March 7, 2024
WHY IT RATES: TAT expects to make this an annual event exclusively for North American luxury travel advisors. --Janeen Christoff, TravelPulse Managing Editor
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) successfully concluded the Amazing Thailand Luxury Travel Forum 2024. The Forum took place from 13-20 January. 35 North American luxury advisors met with 70 Thai suppliers to showcase the kingdom’s top destinations, luxury hotels and travel experiences. The Amazing Thailand Luxury Travel Forum 2024 was a collaborative effort between the TAT offices in New York and Toronto. “We must also acknowledge the significant contribution of our airline partners Air Canada and Bangkok Airways and our top luxury hotel and DMC partners in Thailand. Without their partnership, the Forum would not have been the success it was.” This is according to Executive Director – Americas, Middle East. Africa, Mrs. Titiporn Manenate.
According to TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing, Mr. Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, “The Amazing Thailand Luxury Travel Forum 2024 offered an excellent opportunity for us in Thailand to present our finest luxury travel experiences to discerning North American travelers while also highlighting our efforts to promote sustainable tourism. The event underscores the TAT’s strategic direction towards high value and sustainable growth.”
The Forum, presented Thailand’s diversity, charm, and natural beauty. Advisors got to experience Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai in the north, the sunny Islands of Samui and Phangan in the Gulf of Thailand as well as Yao Yai, Yao Noi, and Phuket located within the Andaman Sea. Travel advisors then converged onto the capital city of Bangkok for two days of B2B business connections. In addition, fun filled day excursions allowed advisors to explore Bangkok and Thailand’s second capital of Ayutthaya.
“We were very encouraged and delighted by the high level of professionalism, enthusiasm and the deep desire for first-hand knowledge of Thailand,” added Steve Johnson-Stevenson – Marketing Manager with TAT – New York Office.
The program comprised pre-tours on four bespoke routes, TAT carefully created itineraries that allowed advisors to experience just some of the uniqueness of each destination. “The elephant exchange was a highlight for those advisors who visited the north of Thailand. Full day sea excursions allowed those who visited the islands in the South to truly soak up the sunshine and explore beyond the well-known,” added Kayla Shubert who is TAT Marketing Representative responsible for the Canadian market.
The Amazing Thailand Experience Forum Trade Meet took place in Bangkok on 17 and 19 January. The program included a market briefing for Thai suppliers, welcome remarks by Mr. Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing – Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas, the “Amazing Thailand” Product Presentation, the “Sustainable Elephant Conservation” special session, table-top sales for North American travel advisors and Thai suppliers, and a welcome reception.
Newly appointed Director of the TAT New York Office, Ms. Chompu Marusachot, summed up the Forum nicely. She noted, “We took great pride in allowing the visiting travel advisors to experience Thailand like never before. I think the advisors appreciated our attention to detail, whether it was in the royal floral designs or the police escort that allowed for swift navigation of the busiest streets of Thailand.” A welcome dinner cruise along the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok allowed visiting advisors to view Bangkok’s iconic attractions like the Temple of Dawn or the Grand Palace up close.
What an amazing destination! I have been selling Thailand for many years – this is my first visit, and it will not be my last – for me or my clients,” was the sentiment of attending advisor – Briana Masson of Jette Sette Travel. Jessie Gallagher further added, “to experience new locations in Thailand fist hand did wonders for my knowledge of a destination that is so important to Remote Lands. Our clients are in for great new luxury experiences – such as the newly introduced luxury river cruise along the Ping River, or the Patara elephant conservation project in Chiang Mai.” Samantha Jervis from Wells Luxury Travel in Vancouver shared “It was my second visit, but much has changed in the last 13 years since I was there. It was a wonderful experience that left me feeling passionate and excited about promoting Thailand to my clients, as well as furthering my personal education and experience as a Virtuoso Travel Advisor and Thailand Specialist. There is so much more to share with the world about Amazing Thailand, the Land of Smiles.”
TAT expects to make this an annual event exclusively for North American luxury travel advisors. To learn learn more about this event or find out how you can participate, please email [email protected] (U.S.) or [email protected] (Canada).
SOURCE: Tourism Authority of Thailand press release.
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