TICA MICE UPDATE

Widely known for its traditional Isan culture and history, Thailand’s northeastern city of Khon Kaen has become the gateway to the Greater Mekong subregion and a newcomer to the MICE scene.

One of the five MICE cities in Thailand, Khon Kaen has been building its reputation as a centre of transportation and investment in the northeastern region of Thailand.

The city has enjoyed rapid development as a hub of industrial development for the region in accordance with the government’s Economic Corridors Development policy. Under this policy, roads and railway projects have been developed, and 4,991 factories added.

Located an hour’s flight from Bangkok, the city has built a strong track record with high-profile meetings and seminars for both the public and private sector as well as international conventions.

This year, Khon Kaen will be hosting the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Destination Marketing Forum 2018 (PDMF 2018) from November 28-30, together with the Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).

Themed “Growth with Goals”, the forum will focus on “raising the visibility and awareness of Khon Kaen and other regional MICE cities as international MICE destinations,” said Supawan Teerarat, senior vice president – strategic business development & innovation, TCEB.

“Aligning with PATA’s advocacy theme of tourism dispersal, this year’s forum shines the spotlight on Khon Kaen in Northeastern Thailand. The Association has been a strong advocate on the issue of tours dispersal to secondary and tertiary destinations, as it allows people to see the true authentic beauty of the country and its people and at the same time provide an economic boost to local communities who greatly benefit from tourism.”

Delegates will also be able to take in the city’s rich culture, history and natural attractions such as its wildlife sanctuaries and national parks.