Perennial tourist favourite Phuket has been selected by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), as host destination of this year’s TTM Plus.

The event dubbed, Thailand Travel Mart Plus Amazing Gateway to the Greater Mekong Subregion, will take place at Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort & Spa, from 1-3 June, with “New Shades of Responsible Travel” as its theme across the three days. And, attendees of  TTM+2020 will see a number of improvements to limit its impact on the local environment while also “maximising its economic and commercial impact for both buyers and sellers”.

TAT is projecting attendance by 350 quality international buyers and 370 quality sellers. Preference will be given to buyers specialising in Responsible Tourism, Health and Wellness, CBT and DMC.

TAT governor, Yuthasak Supasorn, said that Phuket was chosen as the venue of the TTM+ 2020 because it has all the requisite facilities and services for hosting such an event. It also has necessary support systems in place by both the government agencies as well as the private sector.

The business appointment process has been streamlined by segmenting the appointments into three special niche groups: Responsible Tourism, Health and Wellness, and DMC Tour Operators. To enhance the quality of exhibitors, first-time sellers are being given special privileges. Entrepreneurs who give importance to environmental protection are being prioritised along with DMCs, tourist attractions and entertainment venues. Entrepreneurs from emerging destinations and former winners of the Kinnari National Tourism Awards will get a 50% discount.

The buyer selection has been streamlined to prioritise high-potential and first-time buyers, especially from emerging markets; such as Africa, Latin America, Eastern Europe, etc. Repeat buyers will be evaluated on the basis of a positive appointment fulfilment record.