World Travel & Culture Expo 2026 Boosts Thailand Hub
World Travel & Culture Expo 2026 opened on Oct 29, connecting businesses from 18 countries to position Thailand as ASEAN's tourism and entertainment hub.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- World Travel & Culture Expo 2026 held under the theme Smartly Link the World
- Connected businesses and partners from 18 countries across multiple industries
- Marked 51 years of diplomatic relations between Thailand and China
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is driving the nation forward as ASEAN's premier tourism and entertainment hub by hosting a major international exhibition that brings together global business networks to foster economic cooperation and strategic partnerships.
The World Travel & Culture Expo 2026, or WTCE 2026, officially opened on 29 October 2026. The event is organized in collaboration with the Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT), the Thai-Chinese Tourism Alliance Association (TCTA), and the Guangdong Grandeur International Exhibition Group, connecting participants from Thailand, China, and international partners across 18 countries.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
The opening ceremony on 29 October was presided over by Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT Governor, joined by Mr. Jeerayu Jarukittivorakan, TCT Secretary-General, and Mr. Wang Zhaoyun, CEO of Grandeur Exhibition Group, alongside representatives from various cultural, entertainment, and amusement park associations.
This event reflects TAT's strategic shift from focusing purely on tourist volume to prioritizing high-value tourism. By integrating travel with culture, entertainment, and technology, Thailand aims to distribute tourism income more effectively to local communities and emerging destinations.
"WTCE 2026 demonstrates what Transform Together means in practice. Through Partnership 360°, TAT is connecting tourism with culture, sport, technology and the creative industries."
Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool
The expo featured exhibitions, business matching sessions, and industry exchanges spanning tourism, culture, technology, sports, entertainment, and creative industries. Furthermore, the event celebrated 51 years of diplomatic relations between Thailand and China, expanding bilateral ties beyond travel into broader industrial cooperation.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
The event also hosted concurrent regional summits, including the World Amusement and Attractions Development Summit (WAS) – Bangkok on 29–30 October focusing on night tourism, theme parks, and integrated resorts, as well as the World Billiards Club Development Summit (WBS) – Bangkok on 30 October focusing on cue-sports ecosystems and global business growth.
Source: TAT Newsroom
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