Bangkok, Thailand, 24 May 2007 – The Thailand Tourism Festival 2007 (TTF 2007), the annual travel and tourism showcase event targetting Thai and expatriate residents, will be held during 7-10 June, 2007, at the Challenger Hall 1-2, Impact Muang Thong Thani Exhibition Centre between 1000-2100 hrs.

This event will be held in conjunction with the Thailand Travel Mart Plus 2007 for international trade visitors and consumers and will help to further boost the publicity and promotional value of Thai tourism products and services.

This year, the Festival will include many activities to promote the preservation of Thai culture, traditions and local lifestyles through four region villages. Special traditional parades from each of the four regions will be held, along with stage performances to demonstrate local folklore, plays, Thai puppet performances, Khon dance, etc.

Over 300 exhibitors including tour operators, travel agents, diving schools and equipment, spas, hotels and accommodation, airlines, golf courses, car rental, souvenirs, local handicrafts, local foods, and entertainment suppliers are expected to participate.

Seminars will also be organised for tourism experts and interested public to discuss new travel trends, sustainability and marketing.

Other special activities at this year’s fair will include an exhibition held in honour of His Majesty the King on the auspicious occasion of his 80th birthday anniversary, an exhibition of TAT history, Tourism Award exhibition, and tourism destination in the four regions of Thailand.

TAT Governor, Mrs. Phornsiri Manoharn says, “This event is designed to help Thais and expatriate residents discover Amazing Thailand’s destinations as well as the wide range of tourism products and activities nationwide.”

The Thailand tourism industry is doing well.

In 2006, International visitor arrivals to Thailand totalled 13.8 million, an increase of 20.01% over the same period of 2005.

In January-April 2007, international visitor arrivals at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport totalled 3,413,197 an increase of 2.61% over the same period of 2006. This figure excludes direct arrivals by air into other points of entry like Phuket and Chiang Mai.

The TAT has set its 2007 targets at 15 million international visitors and 82 million domestic trips, respectively generating estimated revenues of 547.5 billion baht and 377 billion baht.

International PR Division
Tourism Authority of Thailand
1600 Petchaburi Road, Makkasan, Rajatevee
Bangkok 10400
Thailand
Tel: 66 (0) 2250 5500 ext.4545-4548
Fax: 66 (0) 2253 7419
E-mail: prdiv3@tat.or.th