Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool said the event offers a platform for Thai operators to meet buyers from around the world, helping to stimulate travel demand and mitigate risks stemming from the war in Iran and volatile energy prices.
Scheduled for June 10-12 in Pattaya, the TTM+ this year focuses on promoting wellness and sustainable products, as well as destinations regarded as hidden gems, reports the Bangkok Post.
The event has 429 foreign buyers, including 85 from China, 38 from India, 21 from the UK, 14 from Australia and 13 from Saudi Arabia. Roughly 41% of buyers are joining TTM+ for the first time.
Among the 428 sellers from Thailand, most are from Bangkok, Phuket, Chon Buri, Surat Thani and Krabi. The TAT expects 15,408 business matching meetings during the event, generating at least 5 billion baht in revenue.
Ms Thapanee said the agency will continue to attract niche and high-spending markets, such as wellness, sports and sustainable travel. The TAT aims to accelerate arrivals from short-haul markets while maintaining long-haul numbers.
Adith Chairattananon, honorary secretary-general of the Association of Thai Travel Agents, said this event should create positive momentum for the second half, generating 10-15% growth to reach 32-33mn arrivals by year-end.
The TTM+ is an opportunity for Thailand to showcase its safety and preparedness for tourists, he noted. Many foreign agents, particularly those from China and Europe, are familiar with Thailand and want to explore new products, Mr Adith said.
"The second half of the year should be better than the first half, despite ongoing economic uncertainty, as Thailand has many events, such as Tomorrowland and the Gastech exhibition," he said.
Khaled Abdo Aldhabab, business development manager at Hesen Almusafer, a travel agency offering outbound and inbound tourism in Saudi Arabia, said Saudi tourists still have strong demand to visit Thailand. Despite reduced flights, he said the country remains the first priority among all Asian destinations.
Mr Aldhabab said he expected to meet new tourism operators in Thailand, and would like to promote two-way tourism, bringing more Thais to visit Saudi Arabia as well.
According to the TAT, flights from the Middle East were still down 23%, an improvement from a 30% reduction last month.
However, he said tourists who visit Thailand during its high season this month might spend less on their trips due to economic concerns. On average, Saudi tourists stay in Thailand for 10-15 days, with an average expenditure of US$5,000 per trip, Mr Aldhabab said.
He said he hopes the Thai government intensifies marketing efforts in Saudi Arabia and encourages more flights.
Hesen Almusafer is discussing cooperation with international hospitals in Thailand to promote wellness programmes for the Saudi market.