Thailand is gearing up for its prominent participation at the ITB Berlin 2025, one of the world's largest tourism trade fairs. Prime Minister Ms. Paetongtarn Shinawatra has led a delegation of 160 tourism operators to Germany, with high hopes of bolstering the country's tourism sector, which is pivotal to its economy.
Departing from Suvarnabhumi Airport on March 3, 2025, at 1:10 PM via Swiss Air, the delegation arrived to network and promote Thailand's vibrant culture at the event running from March 4 to 6. This year marks the 50th time the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has participated, demonstrating its commitment to showcasing the country on such significant international platforms.
Mr. Jirayu Huangsap, spokesman for the Prime Minister's Office, stated, "This year marks the 50th participation of the Tourism Authority of Thailand at ITB Berlin." He elaborated on the goals of the trip, which include updating Thai diplomats and business leaders about new tourism strategies and enhancing collaboration with international tourism stakeholders.
Part of Thailand's showcase this year is under the banner of Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism & Sports Year 2025, promoting the theme of Sustainable Thailand. The effort aligns with global trends toward sustainable travel and tourism, ensuring awareness of eco-friendly practices and cultural preservation.
Thailand's booth will highlight five specific categories of its tourism offerings: business negotiations, partnerships, soft power, attractive tourism locations, and sports tourism. These categories aim to present the diverse scope of experiences Thailand has to offer, emphasizing its rich heritage and modern travel possibilities.
Prime Minister Shinawatra plans to meet with leading business executives, tapping on network opportunities to spark interest among international tourists. By participating actively, Thailand aims to cement its reputation as a key player on the global tourism stage.
The event is not only about promotion; it's also about learning from global tourism trends and engaging with best practices. This knowledge is expected to help refine Thailand's tourism strategies as the country works toward recovery from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, which had severely affected the industry.
Through its strategic marketing, Thailand is showcasing how important tourism is to its economic recovery. The narrative being promoted aims to position the country as not just your regular sunny getaway, but also as a sustainable travel destination.
Engagement with potential partners will include business matchmaking events, where Thai operators can explain their offerings directly to interested foreign stakeholders. This approach may lead to fruitful partnerships and help thrive Thailand's tourism-related economy.
By showcasing diverse attractions ranging from beautiful beaches and rich historical sites to culinary experiences and vibrant festivals, the Thai delegation at ITB Berlin 2025 emphasizes the quality and variety of experiences waiting for travelers.
Mr. Huangsap mentioned, "We've partitioned our display space to highlight Thailand's diverse tourism sectors including business tourism, soft power, and sports tourism." This strategy aims to attract varied interests from different visitor demographics, enhancing the scope of potential tourism.
The interaction between Thai operators and international businesses at the fair provides invaluable insights, allowing Thai businesses to adapt their offerings based on current global tourism demands.
Overall, ITB Berlin 2025 presents not only the opportunity for promotion but also the platform for Thailand to recalibrate its approach to attract international tourists by highlighting its readiness to embrace sustainable practices within the tourism sector.
Through such engagements, Thailand is expected to not only uplift its tourism but also establish long-lasting relationships with foreign markets, providing tourists with rich and authentic experiences.
Concluding, this year's ITB Berlin 2025 is poised to be pivotal for Thailand as it explores opportunities to expand its tourism footprint and luxury offerings. The international exposure and partnership potential could significantly contribute to the country's goal of reviving its tourism sector by embracing innovative practices and sustainable tourism initiatives.