Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce Phumtham Wechayachai presided over the opening ceremony of THAIFEX – HOREC Asia 2024, targeting the export market of the HoReCa (hotel, restaurant, and catering) industry to enhance Thailand’s potential as the centre for the hotel, restaurant, and catering business sector in Asia. Organised by the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), the Ministry of Commerce, the Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC), and Koelnmesse (KM), this event aims to create jobs and drive the Thai economy forward, taking place at IMPACT Exhibition Center, Halls 9-12.
Phumtham stated that our country currently faces economic challenges that require resolution and growth. Today’s event offers new trade opportunities for Thai entrepreneurs, especially the HoReCa sector, which includes hotels, restaurants, and catering services, playing a significant role in meeting the demands of the tourism industry. Recently, the Prime Minister envisioned Thailand as a Tourism Hub, leveraging the country’s beautiful tourist sites, local cultures, natural resources, and warm climate throughout the year to advance our strengths.
He thanked the three co-organisers for making this event possible, which will serve as a gateway for the tourism industry to move forward with potential. Thailand is ranked 8th in the world for tourist arrivals, with the tourism industry generating over 2.3 trillion baht, accounting for 70% of the annual budget expenditure. The Thai government, elected just six months ago, sees the importance of offering visa-free entry to tourists from various countries to boost the Thai tourism business and promote primary and secondary cities, enhancing value creation with the support of the government sector.”
“Based on business registration data, we have 11,540 hotel and resort operators, 21,695 restaurant businesses, and 606 catering services, numbers that continue to rise. Given these strengths, the Ministry of Commerce sees an opportunity to push Thailand to become the centre of the HoReCa business in Asia. Building on the success of THAIFEX – ANUGA Asia through the collaboration between the Department of International Trade Promotion, the Ministry of Commerce, the Thai Chamber of Commerce, and Koelnmesse, we have extended this to the organisation of THAIFEX – HOREC Asia.
This will create trade opportunities for Thai entrepreneurs in the HoReCa business. This event, held for the first time this year, will create trade opportunities for Thai entrepreneurs in the HoReCa business sector, featuring over 359 companies from 23 countries around the world, with an anticipated attendance of more than 20,000 visitors. This emphasises Thailand’s potential as a significant trade platform, unlocking the future of the HoReCa industry, and creating opportunities for Thai entrepreneurs to expand into international markets,” Mr. Phumtham added.
As one of the world’s most comprehensive HoReCa trade fairs, THAIFEX – HOREC Asia 2024 spans 27,000 sq.m., and covers 9 segments, namely Bakery & Ice Cream, Cafe & Bar, Cleaning & Laundry, Dining, Furnishing, Kitchen, Services, Tech and Wellness, along with a special zone ‘HoReCa World’.
The event highlights include the ASEAN Barista Team Championship, Thailand Ultimate Housekeeping Challenge, and an innovative product showcase at the THAIFEX – HOREC Xperiential Zone, presenting the products that are shaping the future of HoReCa trends. There is also the THAIFEX – HOREC Academy, which brings together industry experts who share their knowledge through live talks, panel discussions, workshops, cooking demonstrations, and various other informative and enjoyable activities throughout the three-day event.