The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) organised The 36th Thailand Tourism Festival (TTF), held at Lumphini Park in Bangkok from January 13th to 17th, 2016. The iconic park was transformed into a mini-Thailand filled with beautiful replicas of outstanding landmarks, cultural heritages, and the best products from the five major regions - North, South, East, Central, and Northeast - across the country. The event was presided over by Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister His Excellency Air Chief Marshal Prajin Juntong, Minister of Tourism and Sports Her Excellency Mrs. Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, Chairman of the Board of TAT Mr. Kalin Sarasin, TAT Governor Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, and the executives of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA).

Under the ‘Discover Thainess Enjoy Amusement of Siam’ theme, the TTF 2016 inauguration ceremony began with spectacular cultural processions from five major regions of Thailand, followed by a special performance highlighting Thainess and the joy of the Thai way of life. Deputy Prime Minister Air Chief Marshal Prajin, along with Minister of Tourism and Sports Mrs. Kobkarn, Chairman of the Board of TAT Mr. Kalin Sarasin, TAT Governor Mr. Yuthasak, and BMA executives jointly sounded the drum marking the event’s official opening, sending the joy of Thainess through Thailand and the world.

“The 36th TTF is Thailand’s largest domestic travel fair,” remarked Mr. Yuthasak. “Where Thai and international visitors can learn of various aspects of Thai cultures, traditions, folk wisdoms and local ways of life from every region of the country. Under the ‘Discover Thainess’ concept, the event aims to promote greater domestic tourism in order to help disseminate tourism revenue to local communities across the country, as well as engage everyone in the conservation of Thailand’s cultural heritages. This event also marks a great beginning for Thai tourism in 2016.”

This year’s TTF 2016 featured four distinctive zones: Zone 1, or the exhibition zone, featured booths educating visitors about TAT’s marketing and tourism campaigns, Thailand’s annual events and festivals, Thailand Tourism Awards, the TAT’s 12 Hidden Gems Plus campaign that aims to inspire travellers to visit 24 off-the-beaten-track destinations, and an old-style theatre screening movies telling the folk legend of each attraction.

Zone 2, or the cultural village, featured tourism products from the five regions of Thailand, including distinctive landmarks, cultures and ways of life, and indigenous food and crafts.

Zone 3, or the Bangkok zone, was dedicated to the 50 districts of the city highlighting delicious dishes, desserts, and snacks. The zone provided opportunities for tourists and travellers to try and taste different delicacies from these famous communities throughout Bangkok.

Zone 4, or the main stage, featured entertainment activities every day, with celebrities invited to liven up the event.

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From the 17th to the 19th of February, 2016, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) showcased Chiang Rai province by holding the PATA Adventure Travel and Responsible Tourism Conference and Mart 2016 (AT&RTCM 2016) in this northern provincial capital.

The PATA Adventure Travel and Responsible Tourism Conference and Mart 2016 is a three-day niche event with both conference and travel mart components that brings together tourism professionals involved in adventure travel and responsible tourism to discuss creating new opportunities for promoting environmental protection and social sustainability within the industry. The event brought together the public and private sectors to address issues facing the adventure travel, responsible and sustainable tourism sectors.

“PATA is excited to have the opportunity to showcase the historic northern city of Chiang Rai, Thailand,” said PATA CEO Mario Hardy. “The city has so much to offer today’s travellers wishing to experience natural beauty, indigenous culture, and rich heritage. The choice of the destination reflects the growing importance of dispersing tourists to emerging destinations, an issue the Association has been actively promoting through such activities as the PATA CEO Challenge 2015. This event is the perfect opportunity for travel trade professionals to learn first hand about this fast growing tourist destination.”

Sugree Sithivanich, Deputy Governor for Marketing Communications, Tourism Authority of Thailand added, “TAT has been encouraging tourism that promotes the environment and contributes to social and cultural betterment. It is in line with the “balanced philosophy” of tourism, which ensures that economic benefits of tourism go hand-in-hand with environmental and cultural preservation. That’s why Thailand is pleased to be the host of the PATA Adventure Travel and Responsible Tourism Conference and Mart 2016 (AT&RTCM 2016).

Chiang Rai now competes with Chiang Mai as a major tourist attraction and is fast becoming a popular escape for today’s tourists. Chiang Rai is also a centre for community development projects, helping rural villagers develop their attractions without adversely affecting their natural and cultural assets.

AT&RTCM 2016 offers a tremendous platform for sellers and buyers involved in the world of adventure travel and responsible tourism to secure effective business appointments through its well-proven system of pre-matched appointments. It is an excellent opportunity to create new experiences and share new opportunities with tourism professionals from around the world.