The visionary initiative, aligned with the Thai government's Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) Economy Model, seeks to foster a creative economy by offering innovative and immersive experiences.
Mr. Chattan Kunjara Na Ayudhya, TAT Deputy Governor for Marketing Communications, elaborated, "The Amazing Thailand Culinary City project, developed within the framework of the BCG Economy Model, incorporates the AGFEC principles: Agriculture, Gastronomy, Food Safety, Experience, and Creative Entrepreneurship. It promotes a circular economy and underscores our nation's commitment to economic, social, and environmental sustainability."
Embracing both B2B and B2C elements, the project serves as a platform for food tourism entrepreneurs to connect, facilitate business collaborations, and heighten the visibility of Thai cuisine in various regions of Thailand.
As a strategic component, the 'Amazing Thailand Culinary City' event will coincide with the renowned Thailand Travel Mart Plus (TTM+) 2023, the country's leading B2B travel industry show. Scheduled from May 31st to June 2nd at the esteemed Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre in Bangkok, the event will feature 30 Gastronomy Tourism sellers specialising in City Dining Experiences, Farm-to-Table concepts, and Culinary Cooking Activities.
Apart from engaging B2B discussions on Thailand's gastronomy tourism offerings, attendees will have the opportunity to savour culinary delights from renowned restaurants, try their hand at crafting Thai desserts, and indulge in traditional Thai massages. Furthermore, the event will showcase an exhibition of internationally acclaimed Thai dishes like Tom Yam Kung, Phat Thai, Green Curry, as well as lesser-known 'hidden dishes' from across the country.
Distinguished figures in the food industry, including renowned international food blogger Mark Wiens with over 10 million YouTube followers, and Chef Thitid 'Ton' Tassanakajohn, whose Le Du restaurant in Bangkok secured the coveted No.1 spot on Asia's 50 Best Restaurants 2023 list, will headline a panel discussion on stimulating the tourism economy, readiness for gastronomy tourism expansion, and emerging trends.
To engage the wider audience, the project's B2C strategy involves hosting '4 Locations: 4 Styles' culinary events across Thailand's four regions in May and June. From Chiang Mai in the north to Khon Kaen in the northeast, Phuket in the south, and Chanthaburi in the east, each event will showcase local food entrepreneurs, workshops on regional snacks, captivating cooking shows, and an exhibition highlighting the immense potential and uniqueness of Thai cuisine.
During the official project launch, TAT organised an engaging panel discussion featuring esteemed Michelin-starred chef Mr. Vincent Thierry from lebua at State Tower and renowned food blogger Ms. Wisa Wangsupachart, whose TikTok channel bon_appetitbkk has amassed over 1.5 million followers.
For more information and to participate in the Amazing Thailand Culinary City event, please visit https://www.facebook.com/AmazingThailandCulinaryCity/.