Press Release

Thailand Tourism Advances: Businesses Collaborate on Food & Hospitality Thailand 2024, Food & Hospitality Thailand

Tourism and hospitality businesses back Food & Hospitality Thailand 2024 to boost continued growth in the sector. Informa Markets announces a grand event this year, featuring two major Asian exhibitions—Hotelex Thailand and Hotel & Shop Plus Thailand. Over 30,000 local and international entrepreneurs are expected to attend.

Mr. Thianprasit Chaiyaphattranan, President of the Thai Hotels Association (THA), discussed the tourism situation from the beginning of the year to June 2024, noting that overall performance has improved compared to 2023, with international tourist arrivals exceeding 18 million. The third quarter, typically a low season, will be crucial. If tourist numbers remain steady, the year-end total could reach 36-37 million. The high season at the end of the year is expected to be particularly strong, especially for luxury travelers, likely leading to full occupancy in luxury hotels. However, the tour group segment has not yet fully recovered. Entrepreneurs should focus on attracting Free Independent Travelers (FIT), a growing segment. For instance, 87% of Chinese tourists now travel independently, relying on the internet for information. To reach this group, businesses need to increase their online marketing efforts.

The association has been a partner in organizing Food & Hospitality Thailand for 30 consecutive years, making it the largest annual gathering for professionals in the tourism and hotel industry. Each year, the association and Informa Markets, the event organizers, present the latest trends and directions in tourism, hotels, restaurants, and services, providing valuable insights for entrepreneurs to develop and adapt to their businesses. At Food & Hospitality Thailand 2024, the association's highlighted activities will include the annual general meeting and significant seminars on topics such as 'Tourism 2024 and Moving into the Future: A Vision for Success,' presented by Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), and 'Smart Tourism Talk: Revolutionizing Tourism and Enhancing Capabilities through Technology.' Additionally, there will be the Thailand Hotel Bartenders’ Championships 2024 and more. He warmly invites entrepreneurs and interested individuals to participate in these events.

Mrs. Thaniwan Kulamongkhol, President of the Thai Restaurant Association (TRA), discussed the development and adaptation of the restaurant businesses. She highlighted that the increase in international tourists is positive news for Thailand's tourism and restaurant sectors. Free Independent Travelers, a rapidly growing group, often plan their trips in advance, deciding where to visit and dine. Restaurants that are not listed online or lack a presence on the internet or social media are difficult for these travelers to discover. She encourages restaurant owners to focus on using technology to increase their online visibility. This is now easier and more affordable than ever, and the association is ready to assist in this effort. The association’s latest initiative is the introduction of a quality and taste certification mark, endorsed by the Thai Restaurant Association. This project will begin in July with medium-sized restaurants in Bangkok and nearby provinces, before expanding nationwide. Additionally, the association will collaborate with TAT to promote these certified restaurants to tourists.

In addition, the association will offer a free training session on online marketing and communication as part of Food & Hospitality Thailand 2024. This training will cover how to create and present content for platforms like TikTok. The first 100 registrants will also receive production equipment. Alongside this training, the association will organize business matching opportunities, connecting members with exhibitors at the event.

Mr. Sanchai Noombunnam, Country General Manager - Thailand, Informa Markets, highlighted the importance of Food & Hospitality Thailand 2024 for businesses in the food, restaurant, tourism, hotel, and service sectors. He noted that the tourism sector is a vital contributor to national revenue. The event will help tourism businesses prepare for the high season at the end of this year and into the next. Food & Hospitality Thailand 2024 will showcase a variety of products, services, and solutions, including premium food ingredients, innovations, service technologies, and tools to enhance business operations for entrepreneurs and industry professionals.

This year marks the 30^th anniversary of the event, which continues to receive strong support from over 20 partners, including government agencies, private organizations, and tourism-related associations from both Thailand and abroad. These include the Thai Hotels Association, Thai Restaurant Association, Thailand Chefs Association, Thai Retailers Association, and Barista Association of Thailand, among others. For the first time, two major Asian exhibitions from China—Hotelex Thailand and Hotel & Shop Plus Thailand—will be part of this event. This collaboration brings together the strengths of all three exhibitions, making this year’s event larger and more comprehensive. The event has been elevated to Thai Tourism & Hospitality Week, covering all aspects of the tourism industry, including hotels, restaurants, services, spas, retail, and more. The goal is to help Thailand’s tourism industry maintain its leading position on the global stage.

The event will feature eight exhibition zones: Food & Drinks, Café & Bakery, Hospitality Style, Hospitality Technology, Foodservice Equipment, Sips & Spirits, Shop & Retail, and Cleaning Supplies & Equipment. There will also be a special zone that showcases and provides education on alcoholic beverages, including wine, international craft beer, and local spirits. More than 3,000 brands from over 30 countries will be represented by leading global companies. The event will also include over 50 activities, such as seminars, workshops, and national competitions. This year’s event is expected to attract more than 30,000 participants from Thailand and across the region.