On 12 July 2019, Miss Sweeya Santipitaks, Consul-General of Thailand in Kolkata, graced her presence as a Chief Guest, and delivered her opening address at the inauguration ceremony of the Travel and Tourism Fair 2019 (TTF 2019), which comprises 3-day events taking place from 12 to 14 July 2019 at Netaji Indoor Stadium, Kolkata. The Royal Thai Consulate-General, Kolkata, along with Team Thailand members: Tourism of Authority of Thailand in New Delhi and Thai Airways International PCL Kolkata, and private partner, also co-organised tourism promotion activities in the TTF 2019.

 

            TTF is known to be the biggest travel show network in India. It welcomes participation from both public and private sectors, from India and from outside India. Its target groups are business sectors, tourism and hospitality sectors, as well as individual travellers. In 2019, TTF celebrates its 31st consecutive year. Activity booths were occupied by 440 participants from 14 countries (including Thailand) and 25 Indian states. The three-day event was attended by over 10,000 persons.

 

            Regarding Thailand’s participation at TTF 2019, the Thai Airways International PCL Kolkata presented “FLY THAI” and “Monsoon Bonanza” as the newest promotional offers for Indian visitors. Thailand’s activity booth disseminated information about leading touristic cities, such as Bangkok and Phuket, as well as many secondary tourism destinations, which excel in ecotourism and community-based tourism. Besides, a Thai artist was invited to showcase a series of Thai cultural activities, ranging from umbrella painting to fruit carving. The above mentioned activities contributed to promote Thailand as one of the most popular travel destinations for East Indians, support Thailand’s economic growth in tourism sector, especially in the 3rd and 4th quarters of 2019, which correspond to India’s long holiday periods. Furthermore, tourism promotion brings about cultural exchanges and strengthens people-to-people relations between Thailand and India.