On Saturday 1 May 2010 from 9.45 a.m. to 10.15 a.m., Ambassador Nopadol Gunavibool attended the opening ceremony of the 2010 National Association of Travel Agencies Singapore (NATAS) Journeys Fair at Suntec Exhibition Centre, Singapore . He also met with Thai exhibitors in travel industry, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) officials as well as some local tour operators.

The Fair, taken place between 1 and 2 May 2010, was organized to supplement the main NATAS Travel Fair, which is the largest travel fair in Singapore, organized twice yearly to promote overseas travel among Singaporeans. This NATAS Journeys Fair was aimed at families and schools or groups that want to go on holidays abroad during the Singapore school holiday period, which starts in June.

Thailand, as one of the most popular destinations for Singaporeans, always participates in NATAS organized fairs with the support of the TAT’s Singapore Office. As a “value for money” destination, the Kingdom still attracts Singaporean visitors, in spite of street protest in Bangkok that began in March 2010. Meanwhile, the TAT would focus its effort in promoting provincial gateways such as Phuket, Krabi, Hat Yai, Samui and Chiengmai, which have direct flights from Singapore.

A Thai Pavillion, supported by the TAT’s Singapore Office, was also set up to provide information about new destinations and hotels and resorts to the visitors. A representative of a local tour operator specializing in Thailand told Ambassador Nopadol that she was confident in Thailand and her booth would focus on Royal Orchid Holiday’s products, particularly in Thailand.