The post HBX Group acquires hospitality tech firm Civitfun appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

B2B travel tech firm HBX Group has officially acquired Spanish hospitality tech innovator Civitfun.

Through this strategic acquisition, HBX Group takes yet another step towards its goal of simplifying the travel ecosystem, as it empowers hotel partners with next-generation technology. 

By combining HBX Group’s global reach and marketplace capabilities with Civitfun’s tech infrastructure and integrations, spanning 60 PMS platforms and more than 3500 clients across 36 countries, the partnership sets the stage for a new era of connected data-driven hospitality.

What the partnership entails

Together, HBX Group and Civitfun will develop a platform of intelligent hotel solutions to enhance guest experience, optimise operations, and unlock new revenue streams for hotels. 

The roadmap includes expanding capabilities in areas such as contactless check-in and check-out, enhanced hotel and guest communications, and flexible upselling and cross-selling options.

As an immediate result of this partnership, HBX Group hotel partners will now have access to Civitfun’s best-in-class online check-in capabilities, available both remotely via URL and onsite at the front desk, allowing guests to complete check-in seamlessly, without waiting in line. 

This unique platform supports hotel direct channels, major OTAs, and the leading B2B player, making it the only online check-in tool globally designed to serve all main hotel distribution channels.

HBX Group chief executive Nicolas Huss said: “We chose to invest in Civitfun because their technology truly makes a difference to hotels and their guests. Our goal at HBX Group has always been to simplify complex processes and help our hotel partners grow. This collaboration will do exactly that: reducing operational headaches, improving efficiency and allowing hotel staff more time to do what they do best: looking after their guests.”

For his part, Civitfun managing director Mariano de Oleza remarked: “Joining the HBX Group family is an exciting milestone for us. Together, we will create new opportunities for hotels worldwide, from smooth online check-in to up-sell and cross-sell possibilities”.

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The post Criteo’s Spring 2025 Travel Pulse Report covers traveller sentiment in the Asia-Pacific appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Commerce media company Criteo revealed key insights from its Spring 2025 Travel Pulse report today, 14th May. 

Highlighting emerging travel trends, booking patterns, and evolving traveller sentiment in Asia Pacific, the report was compounded from data gathered from over 100 travel partners in APAC, including around 20 from Southeast Asian market.

As such this report serves as a timely snapshot of travel patterns in Q1-2025, whilst offering valuable context for brands gearing up for the summer holiday season.

The report in brief

In the first quarter of 2025, travel demand in APAC remained resilient, with hotel bookings up 10 percent and air bookings rising 7 percent.

In both categories, the region outperformed the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, all of which saw declines across most categories.

Between July and October 2024, APAC’s travel bookings also exceeded retail sales by over 12 index points, underscoring sustained interest in travel beyond peak periods. 

Giving Southeast Asia a closer look, the trend was most pronounced during June and July 2024, with travel bookings surpassing retail sales by more than six index points. 

This mid-year surge in bookings suggests travellers are planning further ahead for year-end trips, searching for an average of 52 days in advance for multi-day stays. 

This growing momentum presents an opportunity for marketers to activate seasonal campaigns earlier in the year to engage high-intent travellers at the planning stage.

How inflation and rising costs are changing the game

Rising costs are influencing how people travel, with 45 percent of global travellers reporting that higher expenses are impacting their plans. 

However, travel remains a priority, seeing how 50 percent of travellers still view it as an essential part of their lifestyle. 

This sentiment is strong in APAC, where a deep passion for travel endures despite increasing costs, reinforcing its role as a valuable break from routine and a source for new experiences, and a change of environment.

The report also uncovers evolving traveller interests and purchase behaviours; notably, 60 percent of APAC travellers prioritise food-related attractions, presenting an opportunity for marketers to spotlight local cuisine, promote culinary tours, and align with food-centric experiences. 

Affluent travellers from this region emerged as leading consumers in the Health & Beauty category across multiple markets and are twice as likely to purchase luxury items compared to the average traveller. 

Similarly, affluent travelers from Southeast Asia are 32 percent more likely to buy makeup and 27 percent more likely to invest in skincare products.

The use of tech for travel planning is up

Another key trend is the rising adoption of AI tools among APAC travellers for itinerary planning and travel inspiration, with full trip planning and flight bookings witnessing an increase year-on-year in Q1 2025. 

This shift signals an opportunity for travel marketers to ensure their content is optimised for AI discovery and that product data is structured to appear in AI-generated recommendations.

According to Criteo’s managing director for venture markets in APAC Taranjeet Singh: “Travel planning today is shaped by fast-changing trends, shifting consumer priorities amid macroeconomic changes, and the growing role of AI in decision-making. The Spring 2025 Travel Pulse Report sheds light on how these dynamics are influencing traveller behaviour and helping travel marketers personalise experiences and reach the right audience, with the right message, at the moment it matters most.”

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The post ATIA: More Australians are travelling into Asia appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Increasing numbers of Australians are turning to Asia for travel, with Japan, China, and Vietnam seeing the strongest growth as international destinations, according to the Australian Travel Industry Association’s (ATIA) Travel Trends Report for May 2025.

Drawn from data provided by ABS and the Australian Department of Infrastructure, the report shows a 11.97-million-strong surge in outbound travel to Asia for the 12-month period that ended on 31st March 2025. 

This total is significantly higher than the 10.54 million reported at the end of March 2024. 

According to ATIA chief executive Dean Long: “Australians are travelling abroad in record numbers, particularly across Asia, with Japan and Indonesia continuing to be standout favourites. Equally encouraging is the rebound in inbound travel, led by China, Japan and India, markets that are critical for Australia’s tourism economy. These trends highlight the need for a competitive and reliable aviation and travel sector to support continued growth.”

Where in Asia are Australians going?

Japan was Australians’ preferred destination, registering an increase of 38.4 percent year-on-year.

China came in second with a 35 percent increase, and Vietnam in third, reporting a rise of 26.2 percent, proving that Australian outbound tourism to Asia has recovered well from the pandemic. 

Nevertheless, Bali in Indonesia is still the most visited outbound destination for Australians, with 1.71 million travellers.

This shows an 18 percent increase year-on-year. 

January 2025 recorded the highest monthly departures (1.54 million), while April posted the strongest year-on-year growth at 28.5 percent, driven by school holidays and the Easter break.

The tale of the tape for inbound and domestic tourism

Inbound travel also continued its recovery, with 8.31 million international visitors arriving in Australia for the year ending March 2025, up from 7.78 million the previous year. 

China led the growth with a 25.6 percent increase, reaching 920,700 visitors, followed by Japan and India. 

New Zealand maintained its position as Australia’s top source market with 1.37 million visitors.

On the domestic front, Melbourne-Sydney remained Australia’s busiest air route in February 2025, with over 700,000 seats despite a 11.9 percent reduction in capacity. 

Load factors also improved, indicating more efficient use of available seats. 

Similarly, the Gold Coast–Sydney route experienced a 16.2 percent cut in capacity but saw load factors rise to 92 percent. 

From an aviation perspective, Jetstar achieved the largest growth in international passenger numbers, increasing its market share from 10.3 percent to 12.1 percent. 

Qantas remained the leading carrier, with 683,000 international passengers, despite a slight dip in market share.

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The post AirAsia partners with Tourism Western Australia appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

AirAsia and Tourism Western Australia (TWA) announced an impactful new collaboration to spur further travel between the two nations today, 14th May.

This initiative is part of AirAsia’s broader commitment, intended at encouraging travel whilst rewarding travellers, thus reinforcing our commitment to making air travel more accessible and affordable. 

AirAsia Malaysia chief executive Fareh Mazputra said: “Perth has long been one of AirAsia’s most popular destinations in Australia. Since the route was launched in November 2007, we’ve flown millions of guests to the city and for many Malaysians, it truly is our ‘home away from home’. We’re excited to work hand-in-hand with Tourism Western Australia to reignite travel interest and provide more value-driven options for those eager to explore this stunning destination.”

TWA managing director Anneke Brown added: “This partnership with AirAsia marks an exciting step forward in welcoming more Malaysian travellers to Western Australia. With our Walking On A Dream tourism brand, we set out to showcase WA travel experiences that feel both otherworldly and are deeply rooted in nature and culture. Malaysia is one of our key international visitor markets, partly in thanks to its close proximity to Western Australia, Perth’s strong aviation links with Kuala Lumpur,  and our shared time zones, and we look forward to sharing the magic of WA with more Malaysian travellers to come.”

Complementing each other’s initiatives

At the same time, the campaign also aims to complement Western Australia’s ‘Walking On A Dream’ visionary global tourism brand, designed to elevate the state’s profile as a unique and aspirational destination. 

This joint initiative also marks a renewed commitment to promote Perth as a must-visit destination for travellers seeking a unique mix of nature, culture and urban adventure, all just a short flight away from Malaysia. 

Known as, ‘Australia’s Western Gateway’, Perth is one of the country’s most stunning and diverse cities, renowned for its stunning natural beauty, pristine coastline, inner city beaches, vibrant arts scene and laid-back charm. 

AirAsia has been steadily growing its presence in Australia since 2007. 

AirAsia Malaysia, together with its sister airline AirAsia X (airline code D7) under the airline Group fly direct from Kuala Lumpur to 4 destinations in Australia; Perth, Melbourne, Sydney and, soon, Darwin (from 27th June of this year) with a combined weekly frequency of 22 weekly flights.

To mark the beginning of the partnership, AirAsia will be giving away an incredible RM400,000 worth of discount codes for flights from Kuala Lumpur to Perth, with each code valued at RM200. 

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The post St Regis Macao’s Stuart-Wayne Douglas honoured at Travel+Leisure China Awards appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

St Regis Macao general manager Stuart-Wayne Douglas recently received the Outstanding General Manager award at the Travel + Leisure China Awards 2024.

The awards ceremony was held at the Guangzhou White Swan Hotel in Guangzhou, China last 29th April.

Selected through rigorous evaluation by Travel + Leisure China’s editorial board and professional review panel, Douglas was assessed on professional expertise, operational performance and industry influence. 

That said, this recognition celebrates Mr. Douglas’s visionary leadership which has elevated The St. Regis Macao to new heights of distinction since his appointment in February 2023.

Douglas said of the award: “True luxury lies in perfecting the art of anticipation. This honour reflects our team’s dedication to crafting experiences that exceed expectations, where every stay becomes an unforgettable narrative of refined hospitality.”

The art of leadership

Under Douglas’ stewardship, The St. Regis Macao has exemplified the St. Regis commitment to exceptional service, where every detail is thoughtfully considered and each guest interaction is elevated.

A leader with an unwavering commitment to discreet sophistication, Douglas has implemented his bold vision through innovative guest experiences while maintaining the highest level of service standards that are synonymous with the St. Regis brand. 

His operational excellence has been particularly evident in the continued success of The St. Regis Bar, which he envisions remaining among Asia’s most celebrated drinking destinations.

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The post AYANA Bali’s SAKA Museum earns global recognition appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

SAKA Museum, AYANA Bali’s cultural and knowledge center dedicated to celebrating the island’s vibrant living heritage, has been named one of the World’s Most Beautiful Museums 2025. The recognition comes from Prix Versailles, a prestigious award from France that champions intelligent sustainability, cultural expression, and architectural excellence. SAKA Museum is the only museum in Indonesia to be selected this year, joining a global list of seven institutions, including the Grand Palais in Paris, Kunstsilo in Norway, Diriyah Art Futures in Riyadh, and the Cleveland Museum of Natural History in the United States.

This international recognition honors museums that exemplify outstanding interior and exterior architecture while delivering meaningful visitor experiences that reflect heritage, innovation, and a sense of place. The announcement marks the beginning of the 11th edition of the Prix Versailles, which will continue to reveal leading global projects across various categories throughout the year.

For SAKA Museum, located within the lush grounds of AYANA Bali in Jimbaran, this latest honor adds to a growing list of international accolades. Since opening in 2024, the museum has quickly established itself as one of Indonesia’s foremost cultural institutions, named one of TIME Magazine’s World’s Greatest Places 2024 and selected among the Top 100 in the Kyoto Global Design Awards for its pioneering and sustainable design.

Dr. Judith E. Bosnak, Director of SAKA Museum, expressed her gratitude and shared the deeper significance of this recognition: “SAKA Museum has truly become a place of cultural pride and inspiration for Bali. This recognition celebrates the ingenuity of our entire SAKA Museum team, while also underscoring the profound importance of sustainable, accessible, and cutting-edge venues for cultural learning. We hope to inspire others to embrace innovative, inclusive, and sustainable design in Indonesia while encouraging visitors to engage deeply with Bali’s past, present, and future through our immersive cultural experience.”

As a vibrant platform for cultural expression, SAKA Museum continues to expand its programming to deepen public understanding of Balinese identity. New exhibitions explore the island’s spiritual and ecological wisdom through immersive storytelling and world-class presentation. “Kasanga: Nyepi Exhibition” invites visitors to experience Bali’s sacred Day of Silence through sensory installations and contemporary interpretations. “Subak: The Ancient Order of Bali” offers insight into the island’s UNESCO-listed irrigation and water temple systems that have sustained Balinese agriculture and society for centuries. In the upcoming “Heritage Gallery: The Five Elements,” visitors are guided through the Balinese spiritual connection to earth, water, fire, air, and ether—elements that shape not just the environment but the soul of the island.

SAKA Museum represents a long-term commitment by AYANA to nurture and promote Balinese culture at both a local and global level. Through its exhibitions, seminars, knowledge center, and permanent collections, the museum aims to spark curiosity and encourage thoughtful cultural engagement while helping to advance museum practices across Indonesia. Its continued recognition on the world stage affirms its role as a leader in sustainable cultural development and architectural achievement.

 

 

 

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The post Now fly IndiGo direct to Abu Dhabi from Bhubaneshwar and Visakhapatnam appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

IndiGo announces new direct flights connecting Abu Dhabi to India’s culturally rich cities – Visakhapatnam and Bhubaneswar. The new routes are set to enhance international connectivity for Indian travellers, making global travel more accessible and affordable. The flights on Bhubaneshwar–Abu Dhabi routes will operate three times a week w.e.f. June 12, 2025, and between Visakhapatnam – Abu Dhabi four times a week starting June 13th, 2025.

By introducing these direct flights, IndiGo is enhancing travel convenience for passengers, expanding international access to regional markets, and catering to the growing demand from both business and leisure travellers. Our new routes connecting Visakhapatnam and Bhubaneswar to Abu Dhabi will provide easier access to the UAE, facilitating smoother travel for business, education, and tourism purposes. Abu Dhabi’s emergence as a hub for technical and vocational training, as well as its appeal as a themed holiday destination, will attract more visitors, fostering cultural exchange and economic growth between the regions.

Vinay Malhotra, Head of Global Sales at IndiGo: “We are pleased to announce direct flights from Bhubaneswar and Visakhapatnam to Abu Dhabi, further growing our international network.  With the additions of these flights, IndiGo now operates over 100 weekly flights to Abu Dhabi from 15 cities in India. This also increases our frequencies to the UAE to 275 flights a week from 18 cities in India. As demand for direct international travel grows, we’re committed to connecting India with global economic centres, ensuring on-time, affordable, and seamless travel across our expanding network.”

Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, is renowned for its elegant fusion of tradition and modernity, featuring UNESCO-listed Cultural Sites of Al Ain, including ancient tombs and forts. Iconic landmarks like the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Louvre Abu Dhabi add to its global cultural appeal. As the UAE’s financial hub, it hosts major energy firms while growing in tourism, aviation, and technology. Known for its luxury resorts, pristine coastline, and Formula 1 Grand Prix, Abu Dhabi offers both economic opportunities and world-class leisure experiences.

Visakhapatnam, or Vizag, is a thriving port city on India’s east coast, known for its natural beauty and industrial significance. It is near UNESCO’s tentative site of Thotlakonda, which includes ancient Buddhist monuments. The city is a major naval base and houses one of India’s busiest ports, contributing significantly to trade. Its growing IT sector and tourism, with attractions like Araku Valley and Kailasagiri, make it a unique blend of industrial growth and scenic charm.

Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha, is globally recognized for its historical and architectural legacy. Known as the “Temple City,” is famed for its historical significance, especially the Kalingan-style temples such as the Lingaraj Temple. It forms part of the cultural heart of Odisha, along with the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Konark Sun Temple. Today, Bhubaneswar is evolving into a key IT and educational hub, with institutions like IIT Bhubaneswar. The city’s blend of ancient monuments and modern infrastructure makes it a growing economic and cultural centre in eastern India.

Flight Schedule: 

Flight No.	Origin	Destination	Frequency	Effective	Departure	Arrival
6E 1441	Abu Dhabi	Bhubaneswar	Tue, Thu, Sat	June 12, 2025	2:35	8:35
6E 1442	Bhubaneswar	Abu Dhabi	Tue, Thu, Sat	June 12, 2025	9:35	12:35
6E 1443	Abu Dhabi	Vishakhapatnam	Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun	June 13, 2025	2:35	8:20
6E 1444	Vishakhapatnam	Abu Dhabi	Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun	June 13, 2025	9:45	12:30

 

 

 

 

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The post The Essential Guide to Tour Operator Software: Your Road to Get a Truly Efficient Solution appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

In the travel industry, tour operators play a critical role by masterminding, arranging, and marketing travel packages, which they either sell directly to travelers or offer to agents for resale. The behind-the-scene work of a tour operator is extremely diverse and complex and involves versatile parties for the ecosystem to deliver the best experience to end customers, i.e., travelers.

In the coming years, we expect to witness a significant increase in revenue in the global travel and tourism market. By 2025, revenue is estimated to reach US$955bn and is projected to grow annually at a rate of 3.90%, resulting in a market volume of US$1,114bn by 2029. This is further supported by a growing revival of international travel compared to domestic travel which led the rebirth in the post-pandemic initial period, with airlines surpassing the pre-pandemic capacity. The growth reflects the rising demand for unique travel experiences, particularly post-COVID-19.

That is exactly why, as competition intensifies, tour operators must adopt advanced travel software solutions to modernize their operations and, simply put, earn more money. You may have the best offers and most attractive prices but as long as you use bulky legacy software with a horde of additional subsystems, integrations, and duplications, your efforts have all the chances to bring the bear minimum only.

Here are key components and milestones you should take profound consideration when the time comes to take your tour operator software to the next level.

1. Establish a Reliable Back-Office System

A fully functional back-office system manages your bookings, user roles, sales rules, and customer service processes. It serves as the central hub for all travel-related inventory, from accommodation and flights to excursions and car rentals. For example, the back-office module in GP Travel Enterprise is designed to centralize booking storage and optimize availability tracking, which simplifies the management of resources like room or seat allocations.

When selecting back-office software, focus on:

• Modern Technology Stack: Choose technology like Java, Python, or C#, which are widely used for designing scalable applications.
• Flexible Architecture: Consider layered, microservices, or event-driven architectures for agile performance under heavy loads.
• Scalability and Customizability: Opt for modular solutions to easily add functionalities, and ensure it can integrate with external applications or APIs.

2. Implement a Booking Engine and a Payment Processing System

Travel booking software is fundamental for converting inquiries into reservations, integrating with inventory databases to provide real-time product availability. To suit your business model (B2B, B2C, or both), the booking engine should support customizations and API integrations, whether for individual bookings or agency sales.

A high-functioning booking engine should include:

• Flexible Search and Booking Options: Allows customers to filter and choose travel components.
• Seamless Payment Processing: Integrates payment gateways like Stripe, PayPal, and region-specific options, supporting varied payment methods, including mobile payments and cryptocurrencies.

3. Efficient Inventory and Supplier Management

A well-organized supplier management system is essential for tour operators that rely on external vendors for inventory. This includes hotels, airlines, transfer providers, and activity organizers. API integration with suppliers ensures smooth booking processes, real-time inventory updates, and status confirmations. Alternatively, some operators may use a centralized API aggregator like GP Travel Hub to connect with multiple suppliers through a single interface.

GP Travel Hub is a unified API aggregator of diverse travel product suppliers

4. Develop Tools for Building Travel Itineraries

Travel itineraries are a critical component of a tour operator’s service, combining diverse elements such as accommodation, flights, and activities into a single package. To streamline this process, many operators use dedicated itinerary management tools, either as part of an ERP system or standalone. These solutions provide real-time access to travel components, intuitive interfaces for arranging trip elements, and optional destination content for an enriched experience.

5. Prioritize Customer Management

Efficient travel CRM is increasingly vital for personalized service and retention. A well-integrated CRM module automatically creates customer profiles, tracks interaction history, and manages communications. Some tour operator platforms include built-in CRM, while others integrate with standalone CRM systems for enhanced features. In both cases, API connectivity ensures smooth data flow between systems.

 

Travel CRM Functionality

 

6. Maintain an Optimized Website and Content

A user-friendly website that supports intuitive booking flows is absolutely necessary for direct sales. Integrate your website with the booking engine to allow real-time reservations and consider using a content management system (CMS) to create and distribute digital content. Collaborate with content providers (such as GIATA or ArrivalGuides) for up-to-date travel information, or use a CMS like WordPress or Joomla for streamlined content creation.

7. Enable Accounting and Analytics

Effective accounting and analytics tools are critical for managing finances and tracking performance. Tour operators can choose between using a built-in accounting module within their software or integrating with standalone platforms for specialized functionalities. Analytics modules should offer customizable dashboards and reports for insight into revenue, expenses, and customer preferences.

8. Additional Integrations for Enhanced Functionality

To maximize functionality, consider integrating your tour operator software with third-party solutions like review platforms, POS systems, or customer support tools. Localization, security compliance, and a free trial period to test compatibility can further refine the software’s effectiveness.

Off-the-Shelf Software vs. Custom Solutions

Tour operator software is a complex system by default, and as a tour operator, you may face the dilemma of buying a ready-to-go software solution or signing up for custom software perfectly aligned with your needs.

For larger operators with specific workflows, custom software development may offer the flexibility needed to meet unique business requirements. Conversely, off-the-shelf solutions can often meet the needs of small to medium-sized operators with modular setups and integration options. A balanced approach is to combine ready-made software with custom-built elements, such as a custom booking engine paired with standard accounting and CRM tools.

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The post Etihad releases traffic stats for April 2025 appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

United Arab Emirates (UAE) national carrier Etihad Airways just released its traffic statistics for April 2025, demonstrating continued strong growth and performance.

The airline welcomed 1.7 million guests during the month, showing a 21 percent increase compared to the same period last year, as Etihad’s upward trajectory continued. 

The airline recorded a passenger load factor of 89 percent in April, a significant improvement from 84 percent in April 2024, while maintaining its expanded capacity and increased operating fleet size.

Year-to-date, Etihad has welcomed 6.7 million passengers, one million more than the same period in 2024, keeping the airline firmly on track to exceed 21 million passengers in 2025.

An exceptional month

Airline chief executive Antonoaldo Neves remarked that April proved to be another exceptionally strong month for Etihad.

Neves said: “With almost  seven million guests flown in the first four months alone, we’re building strong momentum toward another record-breaking year. Our April load factor of 89 percent shows customers continue to choose Etihad for our quality of service, network, and overall value. We’re now on track to carry more than 21 million guests in 2025, more than ever before in our history”.

Neves concluded by saying that, as Etihad moves into the hectic summer travel season, the airline will remain focused on its growth strategy even as it continues to offer its guests a truly exceptional travel experience.

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The post Thai soft power comes to the fore at the Cannes Film Festival appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Thailand’s soft power takes the spotlight on Thursday, 15th May, at the Cannes Film Festival by way of Thai Night.

The Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) of Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce will be promoting Thailand’s entertainment industry on the global stage at the said event.

A part of the world’s most prestigious and influential film festival, Thai Night aims to elevate the image of Thailand’s entertainment sector and strengthen international networks. 

A launch ceremony serving as the event’s precursor was graciously presided over by Her Royal Highness Princess Ubolratana Rajakanya Sirivadhana Barnavadi in France.

A culturally important night

Thai Night has been held annually since 2011, and serves as a key platform to highlight the strength of Thailand’s entertainment industry. 

The event fosters collaboration between Thai entrepreneurs and international buyers and investors, helping to promote long-term growth and sustainability in the sector. 

More importantly, it also serves as a valuable opportunity to present Thailand’s rich culture and soft power on a global stage. 

In addition to highlighting the capabilities of Thai cinema to a worldwide audience, the event features Thai Pavilion, where representatives from Thailand’s film industry participated in business matching with global partners. 

The pavilion is located at Booth 22.01, Palais-1, at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès de Cannes, and will be open from 13th to 21st May.

Promoting a nation through film

According to DITP director general Sunanta Kangvalkulkij, the Thai film industry is growing rapidly, as reflected in its increasing production capabilities, entries into international film festivals, and rising interest from global markets. 

Kangvalkulkij explained: “The domestic performance in which Thai films now command a market share of approximately 50 percent, rivalling that of international releases. This indicates a renewed local interest in Thai cinema.”

That said, Thai Night serves as a platform to showcase the pride and quality of Thai films, and to propel Thailand’s soft power through the film industry. 

Indeed, it presents the charm of Thai culture, creativity, and identity to a global audience, while opening doors for business networking with international partners to support the sustainable growth of Thailand’s film industry.

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