MTM 2026 Strengthens Thailand’s Presence in Middle East and Africa Markets

Priyal Dutta1 hour Ago2 Mins read17

TAT Strengthens Thailand’s Presence at MTM 2026

The event was part of TAT’s strategy to grow tourism in new markets by linking travel buyers with Thai suppliers via meetings, networking, and presentations.

MTM 2026 Connects Thai Tourism Businesses with Regional Buyers

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) hosted The Middle East and Africa Trade Meet 2026 (MTM 2026): Bangkok Edition at Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok, bringing together tourism stakeholders from the Middle East, Africa and Thailand to strengthen business relationships and support future travel demand.

The event formed part of TAT’s broader strategy to expand tourism opportunities in emerging international markets by connecting travel buyers with Thai tourism suppliers through business meetings, networking sessions and destination presentations.

Speaking at the event, Santi Sawangcharoen, Executive Director for the Americas, Middle East and Africa Region at TAT, said that MTM 2026 serves as a platform to foster commercial partnerships and expand the distribution of Thai tourism products across the region.

A total of 39 travel companies from the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa participated in the Bangkok programme. Activities included market briefings, business-to-business meetings, networking sessions and presentations highlighting Thailand’s tourism offerings and travel products.

The event followed participation in Thailand Travel Mart Plus (TTM+) 2026, held in Pattaya, Chon Buri, from 10 to 12 June 2026. With support from Air Arabia and Oman Air, TAT welcomed 44 travel companies from the Middle East and Africa to engage with Thai tourism businesses and explore tourism opportunities across the country.

As part of the MTM 2026 programme, delegates also attended the VIP Open House Event: Lost World Experience at Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya, which provided an opportunity to experience Thailand’s hospitality, accommodation, and family-oriented tourism offerings.

Growing Importance of Middle East and Africa Markets

According to TAT, visitor arrivals from the Middle East and Africa exceeded one million in 2025, reflecting continued interest in Thailand among travellers from both regions.

For Middle Eastern travellers, Thailand is promoting wellness tourism, medical travel, family holidays, premium accommodation, shopping and privacy-focused travel experiences. Wellness offerings are being positioned to include preventive healthcare, recovery programmes, mental wellbeing and healthy lifestyle experiences.

For travellers from African markets such as South Africa, Kenya and Nigeria, Thailand continues to attract interest through beach destinations, city experiences, shopping, gastronomy, family attractions and leisure travel packages.

Focus on Year-Round Tourism

TAT is also encouraging year-round travel by promoting Green Season experiences and aligning campaigns with school holidays and leisure travel periods across key source markets.

The strategy includes promoting destinations beyond Thailand’s traditional tourism hubs, such as Chiang Rai, Kanchanaburi, Khao Yai, Krabi, Hua Hin, and Trat.

Moving forward, TAT plans to continue working with airlines, travel agents, online travel agencies, tour operators and tourism businesses to improve market access, develop travel packages and support joint marketing initiatives across the Middle East and Africa.

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Written by

Priyal Dutta

I create compelling stories that showcase the travel, hospitality, and lifestyle industries. At Safari India, I explore industry trends, write insightful articles, and produce content that informs and engages readers. With a talent for storytelling and a strategic approach, I strive to inform, inspire, and spark meaningful conversations through my work.