Tourexpi
Thailand is stepping up its efforts to attract the
highest-spending segment of the international travel market. The Tourism
Authority of Thailand (TAT) is partnering with London-based Private Luxury
Events to bring Ultra Thailand 2027 to Bangkok from 20 to 24 June. The event at
the Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River will mark Ultra’s first
edition in Southeast Asia.
The invitation-only gathering connects luxury tourism
suppliers with a specialised international network whose clients include
ultra-high-net-worth individuals. For Thailand, the event is intended both as a
business platform for local tourism companies and as an opportunity to present
a broader definition of luxury based on wellness, gastronomy, culture and
personalised experiences.
Thailand targets the ultra-luxury market
Ultra’s buyer community includes family offices,
executive and personal assistants and celebrity agents who organise travel for
some of the world’s wealthiest clients. Participants are selected according to
the quality and depth of their client portfolios.
“Ultra Thailand 2027 places Thailand into one of the
world’s most influential ultra-luxury travel networks,” says TAT Governor
Thapanee Kiatphaibool.
TAT plans to use the event to showcase what
Kiatphaibool describes as “a distinctive expression of Thai luxury built on
personalised service, cultural depth and genuine human connection”. The offer
ranges from wellness and gastronomy to private journeys, arts, living heritage
and locally rooted experiences.
“The event will also create valuable business
opportunities for Thai tourism partners while reinforcing Thailand’s position
as a high-value and sustainable tourism destination,” she adds.
Bangkok’s wealthy population is growing
The choice of Bangkok comes as the Thai capital gains
importance in the international wealth and luxury hospitality markets.
According to figures cited by TAT, Bangkok’s ultra-high-net-worth population is
projected to increase by more than 50 percent by 2030.
Knight Frank forecasts a 26 percent increase in
Thailand’s ultra-high-net-worth population between 2026 and 2031, placing the
country among Asia’s emerging wealth markets.
International hotel investment is developing alongside
this trend. Recent and forthcoming projects include Aman Nai Lert Bangkok and
The Langham’s planned restoration of the historic Custom House on the Chao
Phraya River.
Wellness and Thai hospitality shape luxury strategy
TAT is increasingly linking its luxury tourism
strategy with wellbeing, personalisation and meaningful travel under its
“Healing is the New Luxury” communication approach.
The tourism authority also highlights the concept of
nam jai, referring to the Thai tradition of generosity and warm hospitality.
Combined with wellness, food, arts and culture, this is intended to distinguish
Thailand from destinations where luxury is defined primarily through
accommodation and material exclusivity.
“Bangkok is entering an exciting period of growth at
the very top end of luxury travel,” says Christy Kuplic, Managing Director of
Private Luxury Events. “The expansion of private wealth, continued investment
from leading global hospitality brands and Thailand’s focus on high-value
tourism make this an incredibly timely moment for Ultra to come to the
destination.”
According to Kuplic, Bangkok currently has “real
momentum” within the international luxury travel sector.
More than one million business meetings organised
Private Luxury Events has been organising networking
events for the international luxury travel industry for more than a decade.
According to the company, it has facilitated more than one million one-to-one
meetings at over 200 events in more than 90 countries.
Ultra represents the exclusive end of this portfolio.
Previous participants in its international community include AMAN, Orient
Express, The Datai, Windows to Japan, Domaine Louise and Tangile Malamala
Collection.
With its Southeast Asian debut in 2027, the event will
give Thai hotels, destination specialists and other tourism businesses direct
access to buyers serving the ultra-high-net-worth travel market while placing
Bangkok more prominently on the international luxury tourism calendar.
Image Credit: © AI generated illustration with elements courtesy of TAT
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