In the News: Phuket steals bouquet from Bali for 2017 global wedding congress

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and Dubai-based QNA International signed an agreement on June 15, recognising Thailand as the host of the DWP 2017.

This event is scheduled to be held at the Banyan Tree from May 2-4, and is expected to attract 450 delegates from around the world.

TAT Governor Yuthasak Supasorn said, “We are delighted that Thailand has been chosen as the host country for the prestigious Destination Wedding Planners Congress 2017. Thailand is a highly attractive country for couples looking to get married or enjoy honeymoons, and we can boast a wide range of wedding packages, romantic settings and luxurious, private accommodation. In addition, Thailand’s own wedding planners have great expertise in helping couples enjoy memorable and romantic nuptials.”

DWP Congress is an avant-garde initiative and the only one of its kind concept in the world. The spectacular congress has raised the bar of the destination wedding industry, as the crème de la crème across the globe from the wedding industry converges under one platform.

The first DWP Congress took place in Greece in 2014, and has grown from strength to strength spreading its wings to Mauritius in 2015, and Florence, Italy, this year. And amidst a plethora of exclusive destinations from across Asia, Africa, the Americas, Australasia, and Europe, Thailand’s bid for the 2017 edition emerged victorious, even relegating Southeast Asian tourism rival Bali to bridesmaid, not the bride.

Ackash Jain, Director of QNA International said, “Thailand has been a very strong contender; the country is already very popular among travellers and leisure seekers, and is also on the radar as a coveted destination for weddings and honeymoons. Given, the country’s reputation as a destination with deep-rooted cultural traditions, rich heritage and warm hospitality, we are extremely excited to get the ball rolling on the 4th edition."

According to a survey conducted by QNA International, results of which were released during the 3rd annual DWPC, Thailand was the top destination of choice in Asia for destination weddings and honeymoons. This is no surprise given Thailand’s cultural lure, natural beauty including scenic stretches of beaches, mountains, greenery, unique gastronomy, entertainment, and world renowned hospitality, it was revealed at the signing on June 15.

“The experience in destination weddings and honeymoons that Thailand has acquired through attracting couples in Asia include various wedding ceremonies whether it is by the beach, rock-climbing wedding, underwater wedding, traditional Thai wedding, and cooperation with luxury resorts and hotels, wedding planners, event organisers, and professional photographers, to offer competitive packages for the couples. Therefore, Thailand is well-poised to welcome couples who want a memorable and exclusive experience for their wedding and their guests,” said QNA International’s press statement.

TAT Governor Yuthasak concluded, “Weddings can raise a great deal of revenue for Thailand. The average spend for a wedding is around B5-20 million, depending on how many guests attend. It is estimated that 400 couples come from India alone to be married in Thailand, with Europe and the US being strong markets.

“The hosting of the DWP Congress 2017 will certainly help raise the profile of Thailand even further as a preferred wedding destination for couples from around the world and boost the positive image of Thailand, positioning the country as a quality leisure destination.”

Nanya Tanthapaiboon of Phuket-based professional wedding planners The Wedding Bliss Thailand told The Phuket News the Phuket hosting the event is a boon to the industry – and to the island as a whole.

“Phuket is a special place, even among other regions in Asia,” she said. “Couples come from Hong Kong, Singapore and other main Asian cities to be married in Phuket. No other place in Asia compares on so many levels,” she said.

“This will put Phuket on map for all these organisers, and Phuket will benefit greatly just from the weddings that will be held here because of the exposure given through this event, not to mention all the events that might come later as a result of all these high-end people, including special representatives from major hotels around the world, visiting Phuket and seeing the facilities available here first-hand.”

And hosting the creme de la creme in the wedding game is no mean feat, Ms Tanthapaiboon pointed out.

“Wedding planners have exceptional standards, and the people who will attend the 2017 congress will be among the best in the world. Everything must be perfect - the food, the venue, everything must be just right and run exactly on time,” she noted.