TICA MICE UPDATE

MESSAGE FROM

SUMATE SUDASNA

As we head into the final quarter of 2018, it is evident that Thailand’s MICE industry has sustained a momentum that is fast outpacing the growth of the same period last year. These developments are a result of the combined efforts of both the private sector and the government, who in the last two months have implemented a number of MICE initiatives, activities and strategies that will continue to drive our industry forward.

Firstly, I am pleased to report that increased promotions of secondary destinations across the country have resulted in the steady growth of both the international and domestic MICE sectors. The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) is set to certify another 175 MICE venues by the end of 2018—comprising of 150 in the meeting rooms category, five in the exhibition category and 20 in the special event category. These new additions will bring the total number of certified locations to 490.

These newly certified venues will also lead to growth in the bleisure sector, which is a major point of focus for the ongoing Thailand 4.0 policies. Key developments are currently underway to advance the sector—inclusive of improving accessibility, connectivity and infrastructure. Initiatives have also been put in place regarding new investments in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) to revitalise the country’s well-known Eastern Seaboard. All of these developments will continue to strengthen the nation’s reputation as a business capital.

Moreover, the Thai government will be making travel to Thailand more accessible for tourists from around the world during the last two months of this year by exempting 21 nations from visa on arrival fees. It is hoped that this waiver will boost the numbers of Chinese tourists which have recently been on the decline as well as usher in other visitors for the year-end high season.

I would like to conclude by highlighting that Thailand has experienced steady growth in the last few months in a number of different areas, including transport and infrastructure. This has put the nation in an advantageous position to continue as one of ASEAN’s leading destinations for MICE and we look forward to seeing what is to come for this burgeoning industry in the New Year.