Published on
January 30, 2026
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) officially launched the Expat Travel Fair 2026 @Hatyai at Central Hatyai today, marking an important milestone in promoting Southern Thailand as a vibrant hub for expatriates and long-term visitors. Running from January 30 to February 1, 2026, the fair plays a crucial role in stimulating travel demand across the region, aligning with TAT’s ongoing Go South campaign to drive tourism in the southern provinces.
The opening ceremony, which took place from 16:00 to 17:00, was presided over by the Deputy Governor of Songkhla Province. The event saw the participation of consuls-general, international representatives stationed in Songkhla, as well as key stakeholders from various government agencies, private sector partners, tourism operators, and media outlets. The ceremony underscored the importance of cross-sector collaboration in strengthening Southern Thailand’s position as an internationally connected tourism destination.
Ms. Wajanan Silpawornwiwat, TAT Executive Director of the Southern Region Department, said, “Expat Travel Fair 2026 @Hatyai reflects TAT’s commitment to positioning Southern Thailand as an accessible, experience-rich region for expatriates and long-stay visitors. By creating a platform that brings tourism businesses, local communities, and international audiences together, we aim to stimulate meaningful travel, encourage quality spending, and strengthen regional economies through deeper engagement rather than volume alone.”
This year’s Expat Travel Fair brings together a diverse group of tourism operators from popular Southern Thai destinations, including Phuket, Krabi, Phang-Nga, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, and Ko Samui. The fair is offering exclusive travel deals, with discounts of up to 50% on hotel accommodations, travel packages, and other tourism services. Special on-site promotions such as flash sales and time-limited deals provide visitors with ample opportunities for direct purchases throughout the three-day event.
In addition to the exceptional travel discounts, the Expat Travel Fair also celebrates Southern Thailand’s rich cultural heritage. The program includes live performances, such as the graceful Peranakan dance, and interactive workshops led by local Songkhla-based artisans. Attendees can participate in hands-on activities like chocolate-making and bead crafting, further enhancing their cultural tourism experience. These activities not only offer visitors a unique and immersive experience but also promote the region’s diverse arts and crafts scene, supporting local entrepreneurs.
TAT anticipates that the fair will attract over 2,000 visitors, generating an estimated 8 million baht in economic activity. The success of the event reinforces Hat Yai’s status as a key tourism and economic hub in Southern Thailand. It highlights the city’s capacity to host international-scale events that contribute to sustained growth in the region’s tourism industry. By connecting local businesses with international visitors and expatriates, the fair creates a platform for continued expansion of Southern Thailand’s appeal as a premier travel destination.
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With such significant tourism events taking place, the Expat Travel Fair 2026 @Hatyai not only stimulates immediate economic activity but also lays the foundation for long-term growth in the Southern Thai tourism sector, making it an essential event in Thailand’s tourism calendar.
In conclusion, the Expat Travel Fair 2026 @Hatyai serves as a significant platform for promoting Southern Thailand’s vibrant tourism offerings to expatriates and long-stay visitors. By combining exclusive travel discounts with immersive cultural experiences, the event not only stimulates immediate economic activity but also strengthens the region’s appeal as a dynamic, internationally connected destination. The fair highlights the importance of multi-sector collaboration in driving sustainable growth and fostering cultural exchange. With expectations of attracting over 2,000 visitors and generating substantial economic benefits, the Expat Travel Fair marks another successful chapter in Southern Thailand’s journey to becoming a premier tourism hub.
