HATYAI, Thailand – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is hosting the “Expat Travel Fair 2026 @ Hatyai” from January 30 to February 1, 2026, at Central Hatyai Shopping Center in Songkhla Province. The event aims to connect tourism businesses with local communities, strengthen the tourism sector, and attract both Thai travelers and long-term foreign residents.
The fair will feature special promotions from seven key southern destinations, encourage regional travel, enhance tourism experiences, stimulate spending, and support income distribution to local communities.
Wajanan Silpawornwiwat, Executive Director of TAT’s Southern Region Department, stated that the event is part of TAT’s strategy to strengthen collaboration between tourism businesses and local communities and to build networks among public, private, and local operators. Under the theme “Go South – Happiness Begins When You Travel South,” the fair will include tourism operators from Phuket, Krabi, Phang Nga, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Surat Thani, and Koh Samui, offering discounts of up to 50 percent on hotels and travel packages. Activities include flash sales, prize draws, and auctions of travel packages and hotel rooms starting at 1 baht.
The opening ceremony on January 30, 2026, was presided over by Songkhla Governor Ratthasart Chidchoo and attended by provincial tourism and business representatives, reflecting multi-sector cooperation to strengthen the southern tourism industry.
In addition to travel promotions, the event will showcase cultural performances and hands-on activities that highlight southern identity, including Peranakan dance, Likay Hulu, live music, and craft workshops. TAT expects over 2,000 visitors, underscoring Hatyai’s potential as a regional tourism and economic hub.
For more information, please visit TAT’s Facebook page tiewtaibyTAT or the Facebook pages of TAT offices in the southern region. (NNT)
