Beyond the Brochure: Discovering Thailand
At Eastern Favourites Representation, we believe the most effective way to build destination knowledge and strengthen travel trade relationships is through firsthand experience.
In October 2026, we brought this philosophy to life by organising and coordinating a multi-destination Thailand familiarisation (FAM) trip for six UK travel professionals, working in collaboration with Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, leading hotel groups and destination partners.
Taking place from 3–12 October, the programme connected representatives from some of the UK's established travel companies with Thailand's diverse hospitality offering, combining hotel inspections, authentic destination experiences and valuable opportunities for professional exchange.
More than a journey through Thailand, the initiative demonstrated how strategic collaboration can create meaningful exposure for hospitality partners while equipping travel agents with the knowledge and confidence to recommend destinations and properties to their clients.
Bringing the Right Travel Trade Partners Together
A successful FAM trip begins long before the first flight departs.
For Eastern Favourites Representation, the objective was to develop an educational journey that would deliver value to both participating agents and hospitality partners.
The programme welcomed representatives from six UK travel companies: Hays Travel, Trailfinders, Gold Medal, Not Just Travel, Travel Counsellors and Flight Centre.
Working alongside Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways and our hotel and destination partners, we developed a programme designed to showcase Thailand's versatility and demonstrate how different regions, experiences and accommodation styles can be combined into compelling holiday itineraries.
The result was an opportunity for agents to experience the products they recommend, meet hospitality teams and gain practical insights that go beyond traditional product training.
Four Destinations, One Immersive Thailand Experience
Chiang Mai: Connecting with Nature and Authentic Experiences
The journey began in northern Thailand at Elephant Hills' Bush Camp in Chiang Mai.
Surrounded by natural landscapes, the agents experienced a different side of Thailand, with immersive elephant encounters and opportunities to appreciate the region's environment and hospitality.
This part of the programme highlighted how nature-based experiences can complement traditional beach and city holidays, opening conversations about more varied and experience-led Thailand itineraries.
Koh Samui: Discovering Different Resort Experiences
The journey continued to Koh Samui, where the focus shifted to resort hospitality, product knowledge and the island's appeal to different traveller profiles.
The agents experienced Amari Koh Samui and OUTRIGGER Koh Samui Beach Resort, alongside a visit to The Culture Samui.
Through hotel visits, conversations with resort teams and shared experiences, participants gained a closer understanding of the accommodation options available on the island.
For our hospitality partners, these interactions provided an opportunity to present their properties directly to UK travel professionals and develop relationships that can continue beyond the FAM trip.
Koh Tao: Showcasing the Potential of Multi-Centre Holidays
Koh Tao offered a different perspective on Thailand's island experiences.
During their stay at Haad Tien Beach Resort and The Beach Club by Haadtien, the group discovered the island's remarkable coastal scenery, marine experiences and relaxed atmosphere.
Highlights included a visit to Koh Nang Yuan and opportunities to explore the island's natural beauty.
For participating agents, this was an opportunity to consider how Koh Tao could be incorporated into wider Thailand itineraries, particularly for travellers seeking a combination of island relaxation, snorkelling and memorable experiences.
Bangkok: Combining Luxury Hospitality with Local Discovery
The final destination was Bangkok, where the group experienced Thailand's dynamic capital and its contrasting cultural and hospitality offerings.
The programme included Amari Bangkok and Oriental Residence Bangkok, allowing agents to explore different accommodation styles and understand how each property appeals to particular customer needs.
Destination experiences supported by Destination Asia introduced another dimension to the city, from local culture and canal experiences to Bangkok's lively streets.
Together, these experiences demonstrated the value of including Bangkok as part of a wider Thailand holiday rather than viewing it solely as an arrival or departure point.
Creating Value Beyond the FAM Trip
While memorable experiences are an important part of any familiarisation trip, the wider purpose is to create lasting value for both travel professionals and hospitality partners.
For participating agents, the programme provided opportunities to:
Develop firsthand knowledge of four distinct Thailand destinations.
Experience and compare different hotel and resort offerings.
Understand how destinations can be combined into multi-centre holidays.
Build direct relationships with hotel and destination partners.
Gather authentic experiences and content to support future client recommendations.
For our hospitality partners, the programme created opportunities to:
Showcase their properties directly to established UK travel professionals.
Communicate their unique selling points through firsthand experiences.
Strengthen relationships with agents who influence holiday recommendations.
Position their properties within wider Thailand itineraries and multi-centre holiday options.
Maintain direct trade connections beyond the FAM trip itself.
At Eastern Favourites Representation, we see familiarisation trips as more than educational visits. They are an opportunity to connect the right travel trade partners, build destination knowledge and establish relationships that can support longer-term commercial development.
The Power of Collaboration
Delivering a multi-destination familiarisation programme requires close coordination between airlines, accommodation providers, destination partners and participating travel professionals.
We are grateful to Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, ONYX Hospitality Group, OUTRIGGER Resorts & Hotels, Elephant Hills, Haad Tien Beach Resort, Destination Asia and all the teams and partners who contributed to making this journey possible.
Their support helped bring together diverse destinations, distinctive hospitality experiences and valuable opportunities for professional engagement.
For Eastern Favourites Representation, this collaboration reflects an important part of our work: connecting hospitality brands with relevant travel trade partners and creating opportunities for meaningful engagement across our target markets.
The Journey Ends. The Connections Continue.
The October 2026 Thailand FAM trip brought together travel professionals, hospitality brands and destination partners through ten days of firsthand discovery and collaboration.
While the journey has ended, the connections, product knowledge and opportunities created through the programme can continue to develop.
Because meaningful travel trade partnerships begin with genuine connections — and the most compelling destination stories are those experienced firsthand.
Looking to Strengthen Your Presence in the European Travel Trade?
Eastern Favourites Representation helps hotels, resorts, DMCs and tourism organisations build visibility, strengthen trade relationships and develop commercial opportunities across key European source markets.
From strategic sales representation and travel trade engagement to educational FAM trips, roadshows and destination promotions, we connect hospitality brands with the partners who matter.
Interested in exploring how we can support your hotel, resort or destination?
Get in touch with our team to discuss potential collaboration.
Email: peter@easternfav.com
Comments