TCEB set to bid for three mega international events

TCEB plans to propose the cabinet its bid under a 10-billion-baht budget to support Thailand’s economic recovery.

This article was originally found on Bangkok Post.

The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) plans to propose to the cabinet within November its bid for three mega international events under a 10-billion-baht budget to support Thailand's economic recovery.

"Mega events attracting millions of visitors are crucial to move the national economy forward," said TCEB president Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya.

Mr Chiruit said Phuket, which is poised to become a medical hub, should be nominated to host the Specialised Expo -- a well-known global event for the wellness industry -- at Vachira Phuket Hospital in 2028.

The event will use 4.18 billion baht from the government budget to draw 5-6 million visitors during the off-peak season, aiming to contribute 49.2 billion baht to the economy.

Meanwhile, Udon Thani and Nakhon Ratchasima also plan to host the International Horticultural Exposition in 2026 and 2029 with a budget of around 2.5 billion baht and 4.28 billion baht, respectively.

He said Muang district in Udon Thani is expected to host the class B expo which is city level, generating 32 billion baht, and the expo in Khong district, Nakhon Ratchasima will be an A1 level or a large and longer event, generating 18.94 billion baht.

The plan to host the 2028 Specialised Expo will be submitted for cabinet approval by mid-November, followed by the International Horticultural Exposition by the end of November.

After receiving approval, the TCEB will officially bid for the events with France-based Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), the agency that holds the organising rights for these mega events.

Mr Chiruit said the international Mice (meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions) market is seeing signs of recovery as the country is set to reopen on Nov 1.

There are 11 corporate groups with 40-50 persons per group from Southeast Asia which plan to visit the country, selecting Bangkok, Phuket and Chiang Mai for meetings and incentives this year.

He said long-haul Mice travellers from Europe tend to travel within their region first, while trips to Thailand are expected to resume from March next year.

In terms of Phuket, the number of Mice travellers from July to December might account for 10% of overall arrivals, or approximately 12,000 participants, generating 960 million baht to the local economy.

The agency aims to generate 28.4-billion-baht in income or 14% of the 200 billion baht in revenue in 2019 from 6.13 million Mice travellers in 2022. Mice revenue is estimated to fully recover by 2024.