Thailand is proud to be have been chosen as the Country in the Spotlights at the 60th edition of the Brussels Holiday Fair (Salon des Vacances) taking place at the Brussels Expo during 1-4 February. The Royal Thai Embassy in association with the Tourism Authority of Thailand's Paris Office is organizing a special exhibit at the event to coincide with the 150 Years of Friendship between the Kingdom of Thailand and the Kingdom of Belgium celebrations planned throughout 2018. During the opening ceremony of the fair, H.E. Mr. Manasvi Srisodapol, Ambassador of Thailand to Belgium, welcomed the Chief Guests, H.E. Mr. René Collin, Minister of Agriculture, Nature, Forest, Rurality, Tourism and Heritage of Wallonia Region, and H.E. Mr. Ben Weyts, Minister for Mobility, Public Works, Tourism and Animal Welfare of Flanders Region, along with the foreign Ambassadors to Belgium, to the booth of Thailand. The Thai cultural performance, snacks and drinks as well as the Thai massage we presented to both Ministers and Ambassadors.
Brussels Holiday Fair is the biggest tourism fair in Belgium with than 100,000 visitors each year. This year's theme is Cruise, Wellness and Gastronomy, which very well corresponds to the reputation of Thailand's tourism.
Thailand is the no.1 tourist destination in Asia and no.2 long distance destination of the Belgians. In 2017, there were around 112,000 Belgian visiting Thailand and the number has been increasing every year. And also in 2017, the number of tourists in Thailand reached 35 millions (the highest number ever), and the 35th million tourist was a Belgian national.