The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) organised the “Eco-Discovery in Amazing Thailand” product showcase from 22-25 June 2024, to promote responsible tourism and enhance the positive image of Thailand as a sustainable tourism destination.
Mr. Chattan Kunjara Na Ayudhya, TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing- Asia and the South Pacific, said “The event showcased Thai tourism enterprises that are recognised for their outstanding quality and excellence in sustainable operations backed by the 14th Thailand Tourism Awards or TTA. The three-day activity was designed to illustrate a wealth of socially responsible tourism experiences in Thailand, emphasising Thai soft-power cultural values.”
The event brought together 24 travel professionals as well as 11 content creators, bloggers and influencers from the ASEAN, South Asia and South Pacific market to explore award-winning responsible tourism experiences in Chiang Rai, Nakhon Ratchasima, Samut Songkhram and Phetchaburi on 22-24 June.
In Chiang Rai, the itinerary featured Chiang Saen Social Tourism Community Enterprise and Ban Tha Khan Thong Homestay. Both won the Thailand Tourism Silver Awards in the Attraction - Local and Community category.
In Nakhon Ratchasima, the route highlighted Ban Suk Somboon Social Tourism Community Enterprise, another Thailand Tourism Silver Award winner in the Attraction - Local and Community category.
On the Samut Songkhram-Phetchaburi route, the experience encompassed Baanrimklong Homestay, a winner in the Attraction - Learning and Doing category; Ban Rai Krang Tourism Community, that won the Attraction - Local and Community category; and Ban Tham Sua Homestay, a winner in the Low Carbon & Sustainability - Attraction category.
On June 25, participants convened at The Sukosol Hotel, Bangkok for a product debrief, trade meet, and a networking dinner.
The Product Debrief offered a platform for exchanging of recommendations from the overseas participants based on their first-hand experience on each route. Case studies from the session will be taken into account to further develop the products and services of these award-winning Thai tourism enterprises to meet customers’ needs and desires.
Participants also had the chance to learn more about the CF-Hotels initiative and the ongoing efforts by TAT to promote socially and environmentally responsible tourism.
The Trade Meet session served as a marketing platform for 20 Thai tourism enterprises, including the winners of the 14th Thailand Tourism Awards (TTA) and participants of the CF-Hotels initiative, to meet and discuss prospective business with the overseas tourism professionals.
The Networking and Farewell session concluded the event for 80 participants, including Thai tourism operators, overseas participants, strategic partners from the public and private agencies, and members of the local media.
The event is expected to generate a reach of at least 1,000,000 and further enhance the positive image of Thailand as a sustainable tourism destination.