With cooperation between the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and the Thai tourism industry, Thailand has the honour to annually host the largest B2B event ‘Thailand Travel Mart Plus the Greater Mekong Subregion (TTM+).

The event, first organized in 2001, has the uttermost objective to promote the tourism and service business in Thailand and its Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) counterparts. Small and medium entrepreneurs (SMEs) have also been supported on the international stage with their products on offer. The major markets include Europe, South East Asia, Eastern Asia, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand, as well as emerging ones; such as, the CIS countries, Eastern Europe, Middle East, South America, and South Africa.

In 2008, the Thailand Travel Mart Plus welcomed 440 delegate buyers from 60 countries including Thailand, an increase of 26.5% over the previous year. Participants were encouraged to meet 388 travel organisations and related service operators from Thailand and the GMS countries, featuring 67% from hotels and resorts, 12% from travel agents and tour operators, 10% from companies from the GMS, IMTGT, and NTOs, and 11% from other travel services; such as, airlines, ecotourism and adventure operators, golf courses, wellness and spa centres, as well as entertainment venues, theme parks, and culture shows.

For the year 2009, the Thailand Travel Mart Plus is scheduled to be held on 3-7 June. A briefing for buyers and sellers, together with on-site appointments between operators and patrons, will be arranged on the opening day at Central World's Bangkok Convention Centre.

The last four days of the event will take place at the Challenger Hall, Muang Thong Thani Impact Arena Exhibition and Convention Centre. 4-5 June will be trade days, focusing on trade and business talks among operators and participants. 6-7 June will be consumer days for the general public, as well as post-tour days for buyers and media.

From 5 January-31 March, 2009, TAT is pleased to invite applicants from all over the world to be one of 300 delegate buyers in the Thailand Travel Mart Plus 2009.

Applications for participation can be submitted at www.thailandtravelmartplus.com. Alternatively, TAT overseas offices are open for application by invitation.

In the same period, application forms for 400 booths are available for travel operators and service businesses across Thailand and the GMS countries. The 10 business categories arranged for the event are eco and adventure, wellness and spa, airlines, Greater Mekong Subregion, tour operators and travel agents, hotels and resorts, golf courses, entertainment venues/ theme parks/ culture shows, NTOs and associations, and other travel services. Application forms can be submitted online at www.thailandtravelmartplus.com.

Moreover, TAT welcomes local and international media to take part in this event to help promote tourism in Thailand and the GMS countries.