On 22 July, to comprehensively advance the preparations for the World Travel & Culture Expo (WTCE) – TAAPE Expo 2026 (Thailand Amusement & Attraction Parks Expo) and establish a premier platform for industrial cooperation and cross-border trade between China and ASEAN in the culture, tourism, sports and entertainment sectors, the WTCE 2026 Press Conference, jointly organized by Guangdong Grandeur International Exhibition Group, was successfully held at the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) headquarters in Bangkok.
The event received strong support from numerous government authorities and industry organizations, including the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of Thailand, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT), and the Thai-Chinese Tourism Alliance Association.
Government officials and industry representatives address the media during the WTCE 2026 press conference in Bangkok. Photo Courtesy Supplied
In his opening remarks, Mr. Wang, Chairman of Guangdong Grandeur International Exhibition Group, emphasized:
“China has developed a comprehensive industrial ecosystem covering cultural and tourism equipment, amusement rides, intelligent manufacturing, IP licensing, cultural products, billiards equipment, immersive entertainment and audiovisual technologies. These strengths are highly complementary to the rapidly growing demand across ASEAN, creating enormous opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation.”
He further noted that ASEAN has become one of the world’s fastest-growing markets for the cultural, tourism and entertainment industries, presenting an ideal opportunity for Chinese enterprises to expand internationally.
Senior government officials and distinguished guests, including Miss Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, and Mr. Pasakorn Rangsiwatanasak, Secretary to the Minister of Tourism and Sports of Thailand, delivered keynote speeches. Drawing upon the evolving global economic landscape and ASEAN’s tourism and entertainment development, they shared valuable insights on regional tourism transformation, cross-border industrial collaboration, investment opportunities, business-friendly policies, and the implementation of cultural and tourism projects.
Building a Regional Trade Platform Connecting ASEAN and South Asia
WTCE 2026 (TAAPE Expo 2026) is designed to go beyond geographical boundaries by positioning Bangkok, Thailand, as its strategic hub for ASEAN. The exhibition will extend its reach across all ten ASEAN member states and South Asia, creating a dynamic international business platform linking Southeast Asia, South Asia, and the global market.
The exhibition will take place from 29–31 October 2026 at the IMPACT Exhibition & Convention Center, Bangkok. Covering 28,000 square meters, WTCE 2026 is expected to bring together more than 400 leading exhibitors from around the world and attract over 30,000 professional buyers for business networking and sourcing.
Leveraging a global database of 430,000+ international buyers, together with the extensive resources of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, government and business networks across Thailand’s 77 provinces, and more than 200 industry associations throughout ASEAN and worldwide, the organizing committee will conduct targeted buyer invitations.
Key visitor groups will include scenic attraction operators, theme park investors, tourism project developers, billiards chain operators, entertainment venue owners, commercial complex developers, family entertainment center (FEC) operators, and other high-quality buyers from across the tourism, leisure and entertainment industries.
Senior representatives officially launch WTCE 2026 in Bangkok as confetti marks the opening ceremony. Photo Courtesy Supplied
Preparations Progressing Smoothly
Preparations for WTCE 2026 (TAAPE Expo 2026) are now in full swing. Global exhibitor recruitment, international marketing campaigns, professional buyer invitations, and concurrent event planning are progressing steadily, with significant achievements already being made in exhibitor acquisition and buyer organization.
The exhibition has already established partnerships with numerous international industry associations, which will organize official buyer and exhibitor delegations to Bangkok.
Through close collaboration among government agencies, business communities and industry associations, WTCE 2026 is committed to delivering a high-quality international exhibition that facilitates efficient business matchmaking, valuable partnerships and successful commercial outcomes for participants worldwide.
