Tourexpi
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has hosted the
“Amazing Thailand Smile @ South Mega FAM Trip,” welcoming 25 key opinion
leaders, influencers and bloggers from Australia, New Zealand, India,
Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam. The initiative aims to highlight
Southern Thailand’s tourism offerings and support renewed international travel
demand following recent regional challenges.
Held from 9 to 19 March 2026, the programme introduced
participants to a series of tailored travel routes designed for different
source markets. The itineraries focused on destinations across Southern
Thailand, including Hat Yai, Songkhla, Trang, Satun and Phatthalung, with
selected routes also incorporating Bangkok.
Tailored experiences across Southern Thailand
The programme featured seven customised travel routes
centred around Hat Yai, a key tourism hub in the region. Each itinerary was
designed to reflect the interests and travel preferences of specific markets,
combining cultural experiences, local lifestyles, attractions and tourism
services.
A networking dinner held on 13 March brought
participating content creators together with tourism partners from Southern
Thailand. The event provided an opportunity for travel industry stakeholders
and digital creators to exchange ideas and strengthen cooperation aimed at
increasing international visibility for the region.
Building confidence in Thailand’s tourism sector
According to TAT, the initiative forms part of the
“Unforgettable Experience in Amazing Thailand” campaign for March 2026. The
programme aims to strengthen awareness of Thailand among both established and
emerging tourism markets while reinforcing confidence in the country’s tourism
infrastructure and readiness.
Pattaraanong Na Chiangmai, TAT Deputy Governor for
International Marketing for Asia and the South Pacific, said:
“The Amazing Thailand Smile @ South Mega FAM Trip
forms part of the Unforgettable Experience in Amazing Thailand initiative for
March 2026. TAT strengthened awareness of Thailand among both existing and
emerging target markets, while reinforcing confidence in the country’s tourism
readiness. The initiative also helped maintain strong partnerships across the
tourism industry and supported Thailand’s position as a preferred destination
for international travellers.”
Supporting recovery after flooding
The fam trip also contributes to the recovery of
tourism in Southern Thailand following the flooding in November 2025, which
affected several provinces including Hat Yai and surrounding areas. Government
agencies worked together to support travellers, restore mobility and provide
reliable travel information.
During this period, TAT activated the Tourism Crisis
Monitoring Centre to coordinate tourism-related support and communication.
The Mega FAM Trip builds on earlier recovery
initiatives, including the Smile @ South Malaysia–Thailand Caravan and the
Amazing Hat Yai Happy Bus programme. Both campaigns were designed to stimulate
tourism activity, support local tourism businesses and reaffirm the region’s
readiness to welcome international visitors.
TAT expects the programme to generate approximately
500,000 impressions through participating creators and related publicity,
further strengthening the international visibility of Southern Thailand across
key Asia-Pacific markets.
Image
Credit: © TAT
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