Thailand’s TTM+ 2026 Turns Global Deals into Greener Growth

TTM+ 2026 generated more than 15,000 business appointments and an estimated US$154 million while advancing zero-waste tourism.

In Pattaya, Thailand’s tourism future was being negotiated across hundreds of meeting tables. Behind the scenes, however, another transformation was taking place: food scraps were becoming compost, discarded materials were finding new homes and artificial intelligence was measuring waste in real time.

That combination of commercial momentum and practical sustainability defined Thailand Travel Mart Plus 2026, or TTM+ 2026, held from 10-12 June at the NICE Pattaya Convention and Exhibition Center in Chon Buri. The Tourism Authority of Thailand’s flagship business-to-business event generated more than 15,000 appointments and was expected to create more than US$154.31 million  in tourism revenue, an increase of 12.9% from 2025. 

New Buyers Discover a New Thailand

The 23rd edition of TTM+ brought together 429 international buyers from 58 countries and 428 Thai tourism businesses, ranging from hotels and tour operators to attractions, wellness resorts, hospitals and travel-technology providers. First-time delegates represented 61.7% of the international buyers, giving Thai operators access to a valuable pool of new commercial partners. 

Participation from the Middle East doubled, led by stronger interest from Saudi Arabian operators, while buyers from ASEAN, South Asia and the South Pacific formed the largest regional group. The mix reflected Thailand’s growing reach across established and emerging markets, as well as rising international demand for wellness, premium and experience-led travel. 

Under the theme “Amazing Thailand: Healing is the New Luxury”, the event presented travel as a source of physical, mental and emotional renewal. Buyers explored Thai wellness, gastronomy, nature, local culture and community experiences, with the Eastern region showcased through the Travel with Care concept and coastal sustainability. 

A Trade Event with a Lighter Footprint

TTM+ 2026 also demonstrated that a major international tourism event can deliver measurable environmental results.

Under its Zero Waste to Landfills approach, the event sorted 931.75 kilogrammes of waste, reducing greenhouse-gas emissions by 700.75 kilogrammes of carbon dioxide equivalent. TAT compared the reduction with the annual carbon absorption capacity of about 80 trees. 

More than 20 sorting points were placed around the venue, separating liquid and ice, food waste, recyclable materials and general waste. Staff guided participants, while an AI scanning system recorded waste volumes in real time before directing each category to an appropriate treatment process. 

Food waste was converted into compost by Recycle Din. General waste, wooden utensils and chopsticks were transformed into refuse-derived fuel by Rungcharoen Environmental Service, while plastic bottles, glass and aluminium containers were sent for recycling through Recycle Day. 

Useful Materials Live On

The circular approach extended beyond the waste bins. Vinyl, carpets, plywood, steel structures, plants and event props were donated for further use by organisations in Chon Buri, including the Baan Kru Boonchoo Foundation for Special Children, Phinchaem Witthayasorn School and NICE Pattaya.

Surplus food was also distributed to schools and public-benefit organisations, allowing the event’s social contribution to continue after the exhibition halls had closed. 

This attention to practical detail helped turn “zero waste” from an event slogan into a visible operating model. Materials were considered according to where they would go next, rather than simply how they would be discarded.

Tourism Value Spreads beyond Pattaya

TTM+ also carried its benefits outside the convention centre. Seven pre-event routes introduced buyers to Chon Buri’s nature, golf, yachting, lifestyle and community tourism, while post-event journeys connected delegates with destinations in Rayong–Chanthaburi, Prachin Buri–Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon Pathom–Kanchanaburi, Surat Thani–Nakhon Si Thammarat and Chiang Rai. 

Regional participation linked Thailand with Laos, Myanmar and Bhutan, supported by a familiarisation programme presenting Pattaya’s culture, marine tourism and wellness experiences. The initiative encouraged connected itineraries and wider cooperation capable of spreading tourism value across neighbouring destinations and local communities. 

A blueprint for quality-led tourism

TAT will use data collected on waste, water and electricity consumption and travel-related activity to improve eco-efficiency and strengthen green standards at future events. The approach supports Thailand’s broader transition from volume-led tourism towards experiences that create greater economic value while respecting destinations and communities. 

TTM+ 2026 ultimately offered two measures of success. One was written in business appointments and projected revenue. The other was found in compost, recycled containers, donated materials and food shared with the surrounding community.

Together, they presented a confident vision of Thai tourism: internationally connected, rich in meaningful experiences and increasingly capable of ensuring that growth leaves a lighter footprint.