The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT), and Guangdong Grandeur International Exhibition Group announced the World Travel & Culture Expo 2026 (WTCE 2026), scheduled for October 29 to 31 at IMPACT Mueang Thong Thani in Bangkok, Thailand.
WTCE 2026 to Boost Tourism, Trade, and ASEAN Position
WTCE 2026 aims to advance tourism, trade, and investment while solidifying Thailand’s role as an ASEAN hub for tourism and entertainment. The event offers a platform to enhance international business partnerships and stimulate regional economic growth through culture and creative industries.
Thailand Officials Confirm Strategic Importance
Mr. Pasakorn Rangsiwatanasak, Secretary to the Minister of Tourism and Sports, stated, “WTCE 2026 demonstrates Thailand’s commitment to
harnessing tourism, culture, sport, entertainment and creative industries as engines of economic growth. The event will stimulate investment, deepen international cooperation and strengthen Thailand’s position as a gateway connecting ASEAN with global markets.” Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT Governor, emphasized the expo’s alignment with TAT’s Value over Volume strategy and the Healing is the New Luxury campaign, highlighting sustainable and quality tourism development.
WTCE 2025 Showed Strong International Engagement
The 2025 edition of WTCE featured 300 exhibition booths from 23 countries, with participants representing 36 countries. The event achieved a 98% success rate in business negotiations and partnerships, according to organizers. WTCE 2026 will build on this
success by expanding trade and investment opportunities.
Five Specialized Expositions and Panel Discussion Themes
WTCE 2026 will include five focused expos covering amusement parks, billiards and indoor leisure, LED display and entertainment technology, film and television production technology, and intellectual property and creative industries. A panel discussion titled “Future Trends of Tourism” will address tourism safety, sustainability, visitor experience, risk management, environmentally responsible practices, and immersive technologies.
Chinese Visitor Growth and Tourism Revenue Projections
Between January 1 and July 20, 2026, Thailand recorded 2,877,039 arrivals from China, representing a 14.76% year-on-year increase. The TAT projects more than 5.13 million Chinese visitors for 2026, generating at least 288.385 billion Baht in tourism revenue. WTCE 2026
is positioned to leverage this growth, expanding investment and business partnerships related to the Chinese market and beyond.
Event Reflects Thai-Chinese Cooperation and Regional Strategies
The expo commemorates the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and China and aligns with China’s “Thousands of Sails Go to Sea” policy, which encourages Chinese enterprises to expand internationally into ASEAN. WTCE 2026 supports efforts to deepen bilateral cooperation in tourism, culture, and creative industries.
Strategic Platform for Business and Investment
WTCE 2026 serves as a strategic venue to connect Thai businesses with investors, technology providers, and partners across Asia and the global market, fostering sustainable tourism development and international cooperation, as emphasized by Tourism Authority
of Thailand leaders and partners at the launch.
