Co-located with
Co-located with
Thailand's tourism industry is shifting its focus from "quantity" to "quality" in line with the government's "Value over Volume" strategy, prompting businesses in the tourism and hospitality industries to accelerate their adaptation. Most recently, Informa Markets in Thailand, together with government partners, organisations, and business associations in the tourism, hotel, restaurant, retail, and service sectors, announced its readiness to organise Food & Hospitality Thailand 2026, alongside three co-located exhibitions: Hotel & Shop Plus Thailand, HOTELEX Thailand, and Agri Plus Expo 2026, to jointly support the implementation of Thailand's tourism strategy.
Mr. Sanschai Noomboonnam, General Manager – Thailand, Informa Markets, the event organiser, said that the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is moving forward with its "Value over Volume" strategy, aiming to attract quality tourists and generate sustainable revenue. This is in line with the concept of "Healing is the New Luxury", which is being driven through four key pillars: world-class events, health and longevity tourism, gastronomy tourism, and restorative tourism. Thailand has also set a target for 2026 to attract 33 million international tourists and generate THB 1.5–1.55 trillion in revenue.
The government's shift in the direction of Thailand's tourism industry is a signal that business operators must also upgrade their products and services accordingly. Therefore, Food & Hospitality Thailand 2026, scheduled to take place from 19–22 August 2026 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, is particularly important. The event is ready to serve as a central platform connecting all sectors of the tourism, food, and hospitality industries under the theme "All Sectors, One Destination". Visitors will not only have the opportunity to explore premium ingredients and products, innovations, and the latest technologies from more than 3,000 brands representing over 20 countries across eight product zones, but will also be able to participate in activities designed to enhance knowledge and develop business capabilities, including competitions, seminars, and workshops led by experts from various sectors related to tourism, food, and hospitality.
Another special feature of this year's event is the co-location of three national and international exhibitions alongside Food & Hospitality Thailand 2026. These include Hotel & Shop Plus Thailand, an exhibition showcasing products and solutions for smart hotels, amenities, spas, textiles, cleaning, and the design and decoration of buildings, hotels, and commercial spaces; HOTELEX Thailand, an exhibition presenting solutions for the hotel and catering sectors, including new products and technologies in the food and beverage industry, kitchen equipment, packaging, service equipment, and more. This year, HOTELEX Thailand will also introduce a new franchise business zone featuring hot pot, bakery, tea, dessert businesses, and others; and Agri Plus Expo, organised by the Department of Foreign Trade, which will be co-located with the event for the first time to connect agricultural products, food innovations, and SME entrepreneurs with buyers.
As a result, this year's event is expected to attract more than 30,000 business operators and participants from Thailand and across the region. The organiser therefore invites entrepreneurs and those interested in the tourism, food, and hospitality industries to visit the exhibition.
Mr. Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun, President of the Thai Hotels Association (THA), representing the hotel sector as one of the event's organising partners, said that tourism remains a major economic engine of the country, but it must continue to develop. What is important is not only maintaining Thailand's popularity among tourists, but also maintaining tourism revenue and visitor numbers to prevent them from declining. Hotel operators must raise their standards while incorporating Thai identity into every aspect of their businesses, from decoration to service provided by staff, which is one of Thailand's strengths over its competitors.
As part of its collaboration with Food & Hospitality Thailand 2026, the association will co-organise AHRA Seminar 2026, bringing together leaders from hotel associations in Thailand, the Philippines, and Vietnam to exchange perspectives on driving Asia's hospitality industry forward. The seminar will feature the topic "Hospitality Industry Direction: Where Asian Hospitality is Going and How We Get There", along with "NEXT GEN HOSPITALITY: How Hotels Can Prepare for Tomorrow's Guests", which will bring together a group of emerging professionals from Thailand's hotel industry.
Ms. Thaniwan Koonmongkon, President of the Thai Restaurant Association (TRA), said that the restaurant business is another important driving force behind Thailand's tourism industry. The association is currently working with government agencies to promote the "Thai Curry and Rice Tourism Route Project" to enhance gastronomy tourism through the development of safety standards, the promotion of health benefits, and the diversity of menus and flavours. The association is also working to have "Thai Curry and Rice" registered as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Participation in Food & Hospitality Thailand 2026 is considered an important opportunity for business operators to update their knowledge, learn about trends, and gain experiences that can be applied to further develop their businesses. The association has prepared activities on the topics "Thai Curry and Rice Tourism Routes" and "The Future of Thai Curry and Rice in Economic, Social, Cultural, and Tourism Dimensions". Mr. Weerasak Kowsurat, Chairman of the Deputy Prime Minister's Advisory Board and former Minister of Tourism and Sports, will also join the sessions to share his knowledge and perspectives with business operators and interested participants.
Mr. Nat Wongpanich, President of the Thai Retailers Association, said that throughout the period of collaboration with Food & Hospitality Thailand, he has seen the exhibition grow in every aspect, including the number of business operators, technologies, and new business opportunities.
In an era when the food retail industry is changing rapidly, consumers are placing greater importance on quality, convenience, safety, and sustainability rather than price alone. Retail operators must therefore adapt by adopting AI and Data Analytics technologies, Smart Supply Chain systems, packaging innovations, Omnichannel payment systems, and ESG principles.
For this reason, the Thai Retailers Association is co-organising a seminar this year titled "Next-Gen Retail Masterclass 2026: Unlocking the Secrets of AI, Space Management, and Merchandising – Strategies to Transform Modern Retail for Sustainable Growth."
The seminar will bring together experts from leading retail businesses, including Central, Siam Piwat, The Mall Group, and CP Axtra, to exchange knowledge. This represents an important opportunity for large organisations to discover innovations, while also providing a platform for SMEs to access knowledge and strengthen their competitiveness within the same business ecosystem.
Food & Hospitality Thailand (FHT) 2026 is scheduled to take place from 19–22 August 2026, at Halls 1–4, G Floor, Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC), Bangkok.
For more information about the event and visitor registration, please visit www.fhtevent.com or Facebook: Food & Hospitality Thailand.BackOfficial Supported by:
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