Minister of Tourism and Sports, H.E. Mr Chumpol Silapa-archa hosted a welcome reception last night for the official launch of the Thailand Travel Mart Plus (TTM+ 2010).

Guests were treated to a carnival themed extravaganza, which featured a Ferris wheel, circus games and fairy floss.

Attendees also enjoyed live performances from a dance troupe and a local band as well as complimentary massages.

Now in its 10th year, the annual TTM+ will bring together 335 buyers and 388 sellers from 50 countries.

Mr Silapa-archa said these figures demonstrate the confidence that the industry has in Thailand as a tourism destination. 

 "This year's TTM Plus is very important for us because it comes as part of our recovery programme from the recent political unrest," said TAT Governor Mr. Suraphon Svetasreni.

"It is also part of our strategy to diversify the sources of visitor arrivals and expose Thailand and the GMS region to 'new' buyers from countries and regions, which could deliver promising results in the future."

Running from 8-10 September, TTM+ is designed to promote travel and tourism to Thailand and its neighbours in the Greater Mekong Subregion.