TCEB seeks relaxation of measures for MICE events

TCEB is planning to propose the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) further relax measures for MICE events.

This article was originally found on Bangkok Post.

TCEB president Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya said the domestic exhibition sector should be able to host 200-500 visitors by October, before increasing to 500-1,000, then fully reopen with no capacity limits by December as domestic exhibitions should become vital to economic recovery.

The dark-red zone provinces can hold events of no more than 25 people, 50 people for red zones and 100 participants for orange zones.

He said if the CCSA and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration approve its proposal, the first exhibition that is scheduled to take place is 'Furnitures and Living' from Oct 1-14.

Domestic Mice revenue plunged 63.8% to 40.8 million baht from April to June, while income from domestic exhibitions was 26 million, down 74.7% year-on-year.

Pravit Sribanditmongkol, president of the Thai Exhibition Association, said the association has prepared safety and health measures for exhibitions and conferences for supply chains and will propose a further relaxation of restrictions to the CCSA.

The social distancing rule, which requires 4 square metres of space per visitor, as well as remaining health concerns have prompted operators to use technology for virtual or hybrid events and communication to attract on-site quality visitors.

Next year, TCEB aims to support domestic exhibitions in regional Mice cities away from Bangkok to distribute income to the local economy.

Last year, domestic Mice travellers totalled 10 million, of which 7.8 million came for exhibitions, with spending per trip of 16,500 baht.

Key industries for domestic exhibitions consist of agri-food, health and wellness, digital and technology, logistics and automotive, and the bio-, circular and green economic model.