TICA MICE UPDATE

Regional leaders TCEB targets Asia supremacy

"Thailand expects 277,000 MICE travellers from international exhibition segment in 2020"

BANGKOK - Fresh off the successful hosting of the 86th UFI Global Congress in Bangkok on Nov 6-9, the Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) said it is now confident of becoming the leader of Asian exhibition industry in the near future.

According to the statistics from Thailand's international exhibition industry in the Fiscal Year 2019, the number of MICE travellers in international exhibition segment entering Thailand totalled 264,005, which generated 20,292 million baht (US$668 million) in revenue for the Thai economy.

In 2020, it is expected that the number of MICE travellers from international exhibition segment will reach 277,000, which can generate 21,100 million baht in revenue.

"According to the report of Asia's exhibition industry in 2018 conducted by UFI, the revenue from exhibitions of Thailand was ranked the top of ASEAN," said TCEB president Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya.

"Thailand is therefore the heart of international exhibition industry of ASEAN, and we are looking forward to becoming the leader of Asia in the near future."

The hosting of the 86th UFI Global Congress is expected to lead to 20 events being brought into Thailand, which is expected to generate more than 135 million baht of revenue.

"Furthermore, the summit also enhances our image and the confidence of doing business in Thailand, declaring the readiness of Bangkok and Thailand as the host country of global events and emphasising the position of Thailand as the heart of international exhibitions in ASEAN," added Mr Chiruit.

With its world-class portfolio of venues, excellent supporting infrastructure, a dynamic group of event organisers and strong, sustained support from the government, Thailand is well-positioned for further growth as a trade fair market, said UFI managing director and CEO Kai Hattendorf.

"This year, Thailand has proved itself as the most profitable market in ASEAN with the success of the 86th UFI Global Congress in Bangkok," he added.

"The highly interesting business-matching session with a good number of participants at the congress this year has proven Thailand has become the destination of trust and a home to regional trade shows."