Mr. Suthiphong Phuenphiphop, vice-president of the Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT), said at the press conference that the tourism sector will remain a key revenue generator for Thailand in 2023. According to statistics from the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the number of foreign tourist arrivals in the first seven months of this year (January-July) totaled 15,391,104. The top five countries with the biggest numbers of visitors to the kingdom were Malaysia (2,445,950), China (1,852,446), South Korea (913,168), India (888,807) and Russia (856,503), respectively.
In July, there were 409,327 Chinese tourists. It was the first month that tourists entering Thailand from China outnumbered Malaysian tourists. It is expected that during August-September, the number of Chinese tourists will reach 500,000 per month. TAT has set the goal of attracting at least 5 million Chinese tourists and welcoming at least 25 million foreign visitors this year. For domestic tourism, Thai tourists took 135 million trips in the first seven months of this year, driving the hotel occupancy rate to reach 75%. However, domestic tourism in each part of the country will recover at a different pace.
Tourists now prefer quality travel choices that can provide the services they expect while promoting sustainable tourism. Tourist attractions, travel-related service providers and accommodation providers should be prepared and focus on creating value in cultural and recreational tourism experiences. The readiness of tourist attractions and accommodations, as well as the provision of a comprehensive range of amenities and facilities such as spas, swimming pools, water parks, and amusement parks also play a vital role in attracting tourists. For example, Grande Centre Point Space Pattaya, a space-themed hotel equipped with a huge water park and Let's Relax Onsen & Spa that has a unique design, attracts a lot of attention from both Thai and foreign tourists.
Operators of hotels, resorts, swimming pools, spas, water parks, and amusement parks are now focusing on business development, new investments and renovations of these establishments which include standalone businesses, as well as those located at leading hotels and department stores in Thailand's major tourist cities. ASEAN Pool & Spa Expo 2023 and TAAPE 2023 will offer a unique opportunity for tourism businesses to mingle and connect with leading brands from around the world in order to improve their services to meet tourists' needs and lifestyles and promote growth of the tourism sector and the Thai economy as a whole.
Ms. Sasinipa Petrayon, assistant general manager and project manager at Compass Exhibition, said Thailand is among the top travel destinations for foreigners and has also been dubbed the "spa capital" of Asia. The growth of Thailand's tourism industry creates positive impacts on related businesses including swimming pool, spa, water park and amusement park businesses, as well as tourist attractions. To accommodate the growth of the tourism industry in Thailand and other ASEAN member countries, Guangdong Grandeur International Exhibition Group and Compass Exhibition will organize ASEAN Pool & Spa Expo 2023 and Thailand (Bangkok) Amusement & Attraction Parks Expo (TAAPE 2023) from 24-26 October 2023 at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani.
The events are returning after a three-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with support from both local and international partners including International Sauna Association (ISA), Korean Spa Wellness Society (KorSpa), Japan Sauna Spa Association, Spa and Wellness Association Singapore, Guangdong Bath Leisure Association, Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT), and Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), among others.
ASEAN Pool & Spa Expo 2023 and TAAPE 2023 will cover exhibition space of over 5,000 square meters, bringing together local and international leading brands in swimming pools, spas, saunas, amusement parks, and tourist attractions such as Hahama from Thailand (amusement machines), Moser from Italy (amusement rides), Zamperla from Italy (amusement rides), Polin Waterparks from Turkey (water parks), WhiteWater from Canada (water parks), Vekoma Rides from the Netherlands (amusement and theme parks), Aquarine from Canada (water treatment products), LaMotte from the United States (water analysis), and Pool & Spa Thailand (pool and spa products). 50% of the exhibition space will be used for showcasing amusement parks, water parks and tourist attractions, and another 50% is allocated for swimming pool and spa businesses.
ASEAN Pool & Spa Expo 2023 and TAAPE 2023 will be the ideal platform for discovering trustworthy suppliers and exploring business opportunities. The shows will welcome visitors from over 70 countries and bring together trade professionals from the realms of swimming pools, spas, saunas, amusement parks, water parks, parks, tourist attractions, department stores, playgrounds, hotels, resorts, schools, and property development, as well as landscape designers, architects, engineers, university students, distributors, dealers, and contractors. There will also be international academic seminars on various topics. For the utmost convenience of international buyers, the organizers will also provide them with complimentary on-site accommodation.
The organizers are confident that this year's shows will be a great success, with a 30% increase in the number of foreign visitors compared to 2019, and expect to draw over 10,000 attendees. For more information, please visit www.aseanpoolspaexpo.com and www.taapeexpo.com.
Source: IMPACT Exhibition Management
