Tourexpi
Thailand is stepping up its efforts to attract the
highest-spending segment of the international travel market. The Tourism
Authority of Thailand (TAT) is partnering with London-based Private Luxury
Events to bring Ultra Thailand 2027 to Bangkok from 20 to 24 June. The event at
the Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River will mark Ultra’s first
edition in Southeast Asia.
The invitation-only gathering connects luxury tourism
suppliers with a specialised international network whose clients include
ultra-high-net-worth individuals. For Thailand, the event is intended both as a
business platform for local tourism companies and as an opportunity to present
a broader definition of luxury based on wellness, gastronomy, culture and
personalised experiences.
Thailand targets the ultra-luxury market
Ultra’s buyer community includes family offices,
executive and personal assistants and celebrity agents who organise travel for
some of the world’s wealthiest clients. Participants are selected according to
the quality and depth of their client portfolios.
“Ultra Thailand 2027 places Thailand into one of the
world’s most influential ultra-luxury travel networks,” says TAT Governor
Thapanee Kiatphaibool.
TAT plans to use the event to showcase what
Kiatphaibool describes as “a distinctive expression of Thai luxury built on
personalised service, cultural depth and genuine human connection”. The offer
ranges from wellness and gastronomy to private journeys, arts, living heritage
and locally rooted experiences.
“The event will also create valuable business
opportunities for Thai tourism partners while reinforcing Thailand’s position
as a high-value and sustainable tourism destination,” she adds.
Bangkok’s wealthy population is growing
The choice of Bangkok comes as the Thai capital gains
importance in the international wealth and luxury hospitality markets.
According to figures cited by TAT, Bangkok’s ultra-high-net-worth population is
projected to increase by more than 50 percent by 2030.
Knight Frank forecasts a 26 percent increase in
Thailand’s ultra-high-net-worth population between 2026 and 2031, placing the
country among Asia’s emerging wealth markets.
International hotel investment is developing alongside
this trend. Recent and forthcoming projects include Aman Nai Lert Bangkok and
The Langham’s planned restoration of the historic Custom House on the Chao
Phraya River.
Wellness and Thai hospitality shape luxury strategy
TAT is increasingly linking its luxury tourism
strategy with wellbeing, personalisation and meaningful travel under its
“Healing is the New Luxury” communication approach.
The tourism authority also highlights the concept of
nam jai, referring to the Thai tradition of generosity and warm hospitality.
Combined with wellness, food, arts and culture, this is intended to distinguish
Thailand from destinations where luxury is defined primarily through
accommodation and material exclusivity.
“Bangkok is entering an exciting period of growth at
the very top end of luxury travel,” says Christy Kuplic, Managing Director of
Private Luxury Events. “The expansion of private wealth, continued investment
from leading global hospitality brands and Thailand’s focus on high-value
tourism make this an incredibly timely moment for Ultra to come to the
destination.”
According to Kuplic, Bangkok currently has “real
momentum” within the international luxury travel sector.
More than one million business meetings organised
Private Luxury Events has been organising networking
events for the international luxury travel industry for more than a decade.
According to the company, it has facilitated more than one million one-to-one
meetings at over 200 events in more than 90 countries.
Ultra represents the exclusive end of this portfolio.
Previous participants in its international community include AMAN, Orient
Express, The Datai, Windows to Japan, Domaine Louise and Tangile Malamala
Collection.
With its Southeast Asian debut in 2027, the event will
give Thai hotels, destination specialists and other tourism businesses direct
access to buyers serving the ultra-high-net-worth travel market while placing
Bangkok more prominently on the international luxury tourism calendar.
Image Credit: © AI generated illustration with elements courtesy of TAT
The most interesting news
Read the News

Orascom Expands Tourism Investment Across Oman
Projects in Hawana Salalah, Jebel Sifah and As Sodah Island continue to advance, with new hotels planned and investment in the private-island development set to exceed $90 million
Read the News

Seabourn Launches 138-Day World Cruise from Miami to Lisbon
Seabourn Quest will visit 58 destinations in 31 countries and territories on a 2029 voyage spanning more than 32,000 nautical miles across five continents
Read the News

‘We See Ourselves Not Just as a Hotel, but as Hosts on La Gomera’
Inspired by the island’s traditional terraced fields, Bancal Hotel & Spa combines architecture, local cuisine, wellness and nature. Director Olivier Doche explains how the hotel aims to make La Gomera itself an integral part of every stay
Read the News

Germany: When tourism becomes a question of identity
Günter Ihlau and Wolfgang Isenberg examine the AfD’s tourism policies and argue for travel as an expression of openness, diversity and individual judgement
Read the News

Colombia: inventia adds Río Magdalena cruises to South America programme
Two eight-day itineraries between Cartagena and Barranquilla combine river landscapes with colonial heritage, wildlife and local culture
Read the News

Germany: Thuringia hosts GNTB Travel Summit 2026
Around 60 international buyers from 14 European source markets will meet tourism suppliers in Erfurt from 20 to 23 September
Read the News

Peru: Lima to host more than 500 airport industry leaders at WAGA 2026
The global ACI gathering will focus on connectivity, infrastructure investment, innovation, sustainability and the future development of airports
Read the News

USA: Delta opens flight attendant recruitment for 2027
The airline is accepting applications from English-speaking and bilingual candidates for upcoming training classes
Read the News

Asia: Four Seasons turns intimate celebrations into tailor-made journeys
From micro-weddings and anniversaries to family reunions and corporate retreats, Four Seasons resorts across Asia are expanding their focus on personalised small-group experiences
Read the News

Club Med launches biggest ski sale for 2026/27 winter season
Ski Days offers savings of up to $1,040 at participating French Alps resorts and Québec-Charlevoix, with bookings open until September 15
Read the News

Chile marks National Wine Day with more than 50 experiences
Wine regions across the country will offer tastings, vineyard tours, dinners, heritage experiences and urban events for National Wine Day on September 4
Read the News

Vietnam: Hyatt Regency Danang Expands MICE Experiences Beyond the Meeting Room
New sports and team-building activities complement event venues for up to 700 guests at the beachfront resort between Da Nang and Hoi An
Read the News

China: Fosun Returns to Profit Growth as Overseas Revenue Reaches 56.5%
First-half profit attributable to shareholders rises 160.3% to RMB1.72 billion as the group sharpens its focus on insurance, pharmaceuticals and global expansion
Read the News

Family travel: multigenerational holidays reshape resort stays
Bahia Principe is adapting its portfolio to growing demand from families seeking shared experiences across different generations
Read the News

Bosnia and Herzegovina: Sarajevo Tourism Surges on Concerts and Film Festival
More than 100,000 tourists visited Sarajevo in July as major music and cultural events generated strong demand for hotels, restaurants and transport
Read the News

Malta to host more than 200 global tourism leaders at WTTC Summit
CEOs and senior executives from the world’s leading travel companies will gather in Valletta from 7 to 9 October to discuss technology, investment and the future of tourism
Read the News

Fam Fest Latam Returns to Cancún for Its 12th Edition
From 2 to 6 September, leading Latin American travel agents and tour operators will gather at AVA Resort Cancun for training, awards and first-hand insights into the expanding PAM Hotels portfolio
Read the News

Lima Region Strengthens Tourism Governance in Peru
New Regional Tourism Advisory Committee board for 2026–2028 brings together public authorities, private businesses, academia and other tourism stakeholders
Read the News

Emirates could add Lima service via Milan
The airline is reportedly seeking fifth-freedom rights for a Dubai–Milan–Lima route, potentially adding a new direct connection between Italy and Peru
Read the News

Expedition Chile Connects Destinations with International Buyers
Fifty-two tour operators from key markets explored five destinations and four routes before meeting 58 Chilean tourism suppliers in Santiago
Read the News

Colombia: ANATO proposes tourism recovery measures after earthquake
The travel agency association is calling for employment support, tax relief and special financing while tourism businesses in affected regions work to recover
