Bangkok (VNA) - The private sector is set to propel Thailand towards becoming a global food hub by 2026, with the value of the nation's food trade expected to surpass 700 billion THB (20 billion USD) next year.
According to Taniwan Koonmongkon, President of the Thai Restaurant Association, the value of food trade in Thailand is projected to reach 690 billion THB this year, with an anticipated growth rate of 5%, potentially exceeding 700 billion THB in 2025 if no significant external risks emerge.
In a move aimed at promoting gastronomy tourism as a significant driver of national revenue and a key aspect of Thailand's soft power, Taniwan said her association has collaborated with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Phenix Food Wholesale Hub, the Thai Chamber of Commerce, the Federation of Thai Industries, the Thai Health Promotion Foundation Office, and other partners to organise the Thailand Food Travel Mart 2024 (TFTM 2024).
TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool said gastronomy tourism and food soft power represent Thailand's culinary tourism efforts, aimed at attracting travellers from other countries. By 2025, the country aims to welcome 39 million tourists, with Thai cuisine playing a significant role in increasing tourism revenue to 3.4 trillion THB.
TFTM 2024 will foster collaboration between the tourism industry and Thailand's food industries to elevate their global presence, she added./.
