Host & Home 3.52

HOST & HOME PROJECT
After more than five consecutive years of above-average growth, the international tourism sector continues to reach new heights – for travelers and service providers alike. This growth has resulted in a transformation of the industry supporting it, from hotels, to restaurants, to spas. The robust performance of the sector is contributing to economic growth and job creation in many parts of the world, and opening never before seen opportunities for niche local brands to find international success.

As part of its strategy to expand sales and marketing channels to tap into these opportunities, the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) is developing markets for hospitality products in Europe and more specifically in Italy through the Host & Home Project (H&H). The goal of the project is to target institutions to help high quality Thai products penetrate into hotels, restaurants, and the spa sector, while revitalizing the image of Thailand with positive new lifestyle offerings. Tapping into the Italian market – the home of world-class design – will aid with the premium positioning of Thai products, helping to create added value, and advancing them on a path to sustainable global recognition. To achieve this next level of international excellence, the DITP has commissioned Mitor Consultancy Services, a hospitality design expert with more than three decades of knowledge and experience in Italy and Europe.

As the end result of shortlisting 23 design and manufacturing companies to receive exclusive consultation for hospitality product development, from July 2015 – February 2016, The House & Home Project unveiled design prototypes in a special H&H Showcase at the Bangkok International Gift Fair and Bangkok International Houseware Fair April 2016 (BIG+BIH April 2016), to promote the products among international buyers, and hospitality (and housing) professionals. Additionally, the unique collaboration helped create connections, boosting creditability and confidence in premium Thai lifestyle products – while underscoring design strengths in line with global trends, and in quality and standards widely accepted by customers from across the globe. Aiming at leveraging positive perceptions of Thailand among target buyers, the Project will also help to enhance the image of premium Thai lifestyle products in the global marketplace.