Trade shows and exhibits as educational travel activities

One reason for travel is to learn and appreciate the culture, creativity and art of other places. This is why I enjoy dropping by trade shows and exhibits displaying locally made handicrafts and souvenir items. When we spent our holidays in Thailand, we took time to visit the OTOP (One Tambon One Product) trade show at the IMPACT in Muang Thong Thani, Nonthaburi.

We had a great time roaming through the different products and food on display at the OTOP exhibit. It was fun tasting their native delicacies, all sorts of food in different colors and aroma. Other products such as furniture, clothing, shoes, bags, accessories, beddings were displayed. With trade shows such as this, the booth with attractive décors and design usually gets the most clients. For those who want their products to stand out from their competitors, well-presented products in striking booth designs that highlight the brand’s quality is an advantage.

The idea for OTOP is to generate income for the local industry with each town specializing on manufacturing export quality products and goods based on their available resources. Tambon is a Thai word which means village or town. This concept is originally from Japan and adopted by the Thai government. The development of OTOP in Thailand was supported by JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization).