Tourism officials in Thailand have decided to go ahead with Thailand Travel Mart 2014 despite the political unrest.
Although the country is currently under military rule with a risk of protests, organisers have vowed to continue with the event on June 4-6 at the IMPACT Muang Thong Thani, 30 minutes drive from downtown Bangkok.
"In spite of the current political situation, we are very pleased that many buyers and sellers are still assured to attend the event," said Thawatchai Arunyik, governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand.
"This is a major vote of confidence in Thailand, the quality of our tourism products and services, and the determination of the travel trade to go on with business as usual."
A spokeswoman said TAT would be monitoring the situation during the event with regards to the coup and any protests.
"Tourists and international visitors are not a target, plus the centre where the exhibition takes place is out of town," she said.
"Any protesters on the streets now are those who are ‘anti-coup’ and so their frustrations are aimed at the military.
"We will of course, as always, take great care of the guests we are hosting and we will be monitoring the situation whilst there. The program is flexible depending on the current situation."
She said there will be little impact on business and evening functions planned, especially now that the curfew has been adjusted.
TAT has also decided to go ahead with pre and post tours to showcase other parts of the country.
The event attracts 296 buyers from 46 countries, equally divided between first time and repeat buyers.
The top five major buyers by country are China (35), UK (23), Australia (18), India (18), South Africa (16), and Japan (14).
Four complimentary pre-tours are being organised for media and buyers to explore and experience "Thainess" tourism products.
