(Photo: Sun Guangyong)

Bangkok (People’s Daily) -- The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has made its biannual awards presentation in recognition of the Thai travel industry’s best and brightest.

The 94 Thailand Tourism awards (Hall of Fame 6, Kinnari 88) were presented for excellence in delivering remarkable services and experiences to local and international tourists.

Presided over by the Minister of Tourism and Sports, H.E. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, the 12th biannual Thailand Tourism Awards 2019 presentation ceremony was held at the Samyan Mitrtown Hall, Bangkok on Friday – World Tourism Day.

TAT governor, Yuthasak Supasorn, said TAT initiated the biannual awards project in 1996 and specifically organized the awards ceremony on World Tourism Day, as a symbolic gesture of recognition that builds awareness for responsible and sustainable tourism.

This year marks two decades of the Thailand Tourism Awards. Prior to the evening awards presentation ceremony, TAT staged a seminar on the 20 years of the awards and a special ‘speed dating’ business appointment for operators of award-winning tourism products and services and travel companies.

TAT also inaugurated the ‘Kinnari Showcase 2019’ consumer fair to enhance market exposure for award-winning tourism products and services among local tourists.

Taking place on September 28-29 at Samyan Mitrtown, the event serves as a marketing platform for operators of 60 award-winning hotels, resorts, homestays; attractions – natural, community and adventure; and spas and wellness retreats to promote their products and services.

The two-day showcase also features workshops from the five regions: North - Mulberry paper class by Jinnaluck Miracle of Saa, Chiang Rai; East - incense making workshop by Abhaibhubejhr Training Centre Day Spa, Prachin Buri; Northeast - pot planting and painting workshop by Khaoyai Farm Village, Nakhon Ratchasima; Central Region - water hyacinth bag weaving workshop by Ban Laem Sub-district Community Tourism Group (Mae Suan Land), Suphan Buri, and the South - traditional dessert making and batik painting workshops by the Laemsak Tourism Community, Krabi.