TICA MICE UPDATE
March - April
2019
MESSAGE FROM
SUMATE SUDASNA
On the 4th of April, TICA successfully held its AGM at the Waldorf Astoria; following a robust first quarter, I am pleased to announce that our membership has reached a count of 456. The MICE industry has been invigorated after TCEB’s decision to form strong partnerships with key local and foreign MICE organisations, which will result in encouragement for Thai operators to improve and streamline their services, as well as wider acknowledgement of the commercial importance of the industry. The TAT continues its 2015 campaign, themed ‘spice up your business’, to further this agenda.
During the last fiscal quarter alone, 345,073 MICE travellers chose Bangkok as their destination, largely hailing from China, Laos, Malaysia, Indonesia and Japan, in that order. These visitors spent over THB 19 billion on hotels, F&B and shopping, which is why we would like to showcase Sukhumvit, a major artery of Bangkok, as a MICE destination. Replete with high quality accommodation, accessibility through the BTS Skytrain, and shopping and food options ranging from Michelin-level restaurants to charming local street vendors, this road will become a highly sought-after site.
We saw an increase of over 60% in the exhibition sector tourists of the MICE industry this previous quarter, tangibly demonstrating the optimistic future of our field. This trajectory will be further boosted by the imminent installation of 5G decreed by the Deputy Prime Minister, which will equip Thailand to handle seamless communication, presentations and other vital operational aspects of business tourism.
Government bodies are also keen to secure Thailand as the top ASEAN destination for MICE visitors, with strategies such as the addition of 1,200 more rooms by 2023, and by focusing on the concept of standardisation through official certification, allowing visitors to plan in a reliable and sustainable manner. At present, 404 venues, offering 949 dedication meeting/banquet rooms and venues throughout Thailand, have received these AMVS certificates.
Judging from statistical trends and member enthusiasm, I am confident in the future of this country’s MICE industry. Moreover, we are uniquely blessed with abundant nature, a hospitable culture and professional, hardworking Thais who will push this field forward. In addition, a hearty congratulations to the newly elected TICA Board of Directors, who will certainly energise and mobilise our efforts towards a strong and secure position.
Sumate Sudasna
President,
Thailand Incentive and Convention Association
