Bangkok (Thailand) – April 10, 2017 (travelindex.com) – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is organizing cultural and rural excursions for participants of the 2017 World Travel and Tourism Summit and their partners. The trips will offer industry leaders attending the summit on April 26 and 27 insights into unique Thai experiences in and around Bangkok.

The “Rustic Thailand and Bangkok Medley Tours” will take place on April 27th and 28th, 2017, and offer leading figures in the tourism industry the opportunity to experience Bangkok’s cultural and historical landmarks as well as traditional life along the canals of Amphawa. This aligns with the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s (TAT) commitment to providing visitors with authentic Thai experiences and insights into Thai culture.

Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, said: “Thailand has long been one of the world’s most popular travel destinations, so naturally we want to showcase the country’s attractions to the most influential figures in the tourism industry. We offer VIPs the opportunity to enjoy unique Thai experiences, such as visiting the stunning temples of Rattankosin by tuk-tuk, experiencing an authentic floating market, and discovering the charm of rural Thailand – activities that reflect Thai culture and the local way of life.”

Hosted by the Thai Ministry of Tourism and Sports and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the 2017 World Tourism Summit is being held in Bangkok and is the first event of its kind in Southeast Asia. Leading figures from various sectors of the tourism industry will speak at the conference, and panel discussions will be held on the future of tourism and the challenges facing the sector.

These industry leaders and their partners were invited to participate in these trips, which promote the attractions of Bangkok and the surrounding rural areas of Thailand.

Tour 1, "Rustic Thailand," takes up to 50 visitors to the Damnern Saduak floating market in Ampawa on April 27th. There, they can first admire the flower plantations and orchards before visiting the market itself and watching the vendors sell their wares from their boats. In the afternoon, a visit to the village of Ban Pinsuwan Benjarong is on the agenda. There, participants will learn a typical Thai technique of ceramic decoration and can even create their own small works of art.

Tour 2, “Bangkok Medley,” on April 28, offers up to 50 WTTC visitors the opportunity to discover Bangkok’s attractions, including the city’s oldest market, Pak Klong Talad, and the splendor of Rattankosin Island with its Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew. Participants will travel in traditional Thai tuk-tuks and have lunch at the Supatra River House before crossing the river to explore the canals of Thonburi and Bangkok’s famous landmark, Wat Arun.

Since 2017 was declared the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the theme of the WTTC Global Summit 2017 is “Changing Our World.” Industry leaders in the travel sector will address topics such as the future of travel and tourism, the impact of security threats and climate change, and how to improve travel opportunities. Furthermore, digital borders, security, the growth of Chinese tourism, and trends in the luxury travel segment will be discussed.

International Public Relations Department, Tourism Authority of Thailand, 1600 New Petchaburi Road, Makkasan, Ratchathevi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand, Tel.: +66 (0) 2250 5500 ext. 4545-48, Fax: +66 (0) 2250 0246, E-mail: [email protected]