Collaboration between WebBeds and TAT for 'IMPACT' Event in Bangkok
WebBeds, a leading global travel trade marketplace, partnered with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to host its inaugural IMPACT Summit. The event aimed to help hoteliers secure a successful future as Thailand's tourism industry continues to recover and grow. The event drew almost a thousand hoteliers and global partners who attended to learn about Thailand's latest tourism strategies and hear insights from WebBeds' commercial presidents from Europe, Middle East and Africa, Americas, and Asia Pacific.
The summit took place on February 8, 2023, at the Centara Grand & Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld. Senior executives from TAT and WebBeds presented industry updates on Thailand's strategic direction, current booking data, and trends. More than 500 hoteliers attended in person, while over 400 partners watched the summit via live streaming from around the world.
The TAT was represented by Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, Deputy Governor of International Marketing for Europe, Africa, Middle East & Americas, and Chuwit Sirivajjakul, Executive Director for the East Asia Region. They provided delegates with valuable insights about the tourism environment and how to align their business plans with the TAT's actions.
WebBeds' commercial presidents also shared their perspectives on industry trends, consumer habits, key markets, and opportunities. Daryl Lee, WebBeds' CEO, was joined at the summit by KS Sun, President for Asia Pacific, Anders Kjong, President for Europe, Amr Ezzeldin, President for the Middle East & Africa, and James Phillips, President for the Americas.
During the summit, Siripakorn shared the TAT's vision for its long-haul markets. This includes a focus on high-value and sustainable tourism, with an action plan labeled "A-B-C-D," which prioritizes "Airline Focus," "Big Cities & Beyond," "Collaboration is Key," and "Destination for All." Chuwit Sirivajjakul shared information about the TAT's 2023 marketing campaigns and activations for East Asia, with a focus on Mainland China, South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.
The IMPACT Summit is the latest WebBeds initiative to stimulate travel and tourism in Thailand, following last year's "Excel and Upsell" forum in Bangkok. Daryl Lee expressed his delight at the strong support from the TAT and added that the event marked the first of many IMPACT Summits.
The summit also received high praise from attendees, such as Nichlas John Maratos, Vice President Commercial Dusit Hotels & Resorts, who said that the summit delivered actionable data that they could use to drive growth in the coming months.
In 2022, Thailand welcomed 11.15 million international visitors, with Malaysia, India, Singapore, and South Korea as the top-performing source markets. The country has set an initial target of 25 million arrivals for 2023, a significant improvement from the COVID-affected years.
The IMPACT Summit is part of WebBeds' efforts to re-energize travel, tourism, and hospitality in the Asia Pacific region. The company plans to announce further dates and locations for its IMPACT Summits in the future.
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