TICA MICE UPDATE

MESSAGE FROM

SUMATE SUDASNA

As we near the halfway mark for 2019, I am pleased to report that we are continuing to see positive growth in all sectors of Thailand’s MICE industry. In the last two months, the nation entered a new chapter as the results of the country’s elections were revealed and a new government was formed. Moreover, Thailand—now the Chair of ASEAN—hosted the 34th ASEAN Summit over the weekend of June 20th to 23rd. The summit was centred on the theme of ‘Advancing Partnership for Sustainability’, and was aimed at fostering cooperation, building consensus, and implement action plans that will strengthen regional collaboration to ensure that the ASEAN of the future is seamlessly connected.

Furthermore, if strong partnerships with neighbouring countries continue to develop, Thailand’s MICE Industry is poised to reap the benefits. However, it is imperative that while the industry is set for growth, the time is now for fraternity members to improve their services. As key indicators continue to evolve, it is predicted that Thailand will welcome a total of 35.9 million domestic and international MICE travellers this year, generating an approximate revenue of THB 221.5 billion. A notable increase compared to THB 213 billion that was generated by the 34.2 million domestic and international business travellers the nation welcomed within the last fiscal year.

While the industry forges forward, TICA continues in its efforts to promote Thailand as a global destination for MICE by organising several activities and projects. A prime example is last month’s TDU—or ‘TICA Destination Update’—of Phuket, an island positioned to become the nation’s leading MICE hub. The trip saw a diverse group of DMCs, EMCs and PCOs visiting a selection of hotels and venues fit for hosting memorable MICE gatherings, and also consisted of presentations and panel discussions where experts shared insight on how to improve business in Phuket.

Despite rapid change in several sectors, destination promotion remains of vital interest to all stakeholders. As a result, TCEB are also gearing to push forward Pattaya, which will soon be developed into a “MICE Metropolis” thanks to improved infrastructure encompassing accommodations, venues, largescale convention halls and transport routes.

Also taking place June was the 2019 edition of TIME. Organised by TCEB, the platform facilitates engagement between global buyers and local sellers through panel discussions and one-on-one debate opportunities. This year the conference tackled topics like how to get a buyer’s attention at the point of engagement, the art of negotiation that closes a deal, and after-sales service that makes events successful.

Judging from industry trends and quantifiable statistics, I am confident that the nation’s MICE industry is on target to achieve its goals for 2019. With several projects and events to look forward to in the coming months, coupled with the combined efforts of our dedicated members, we can work together in striving towards establishing Thailand as a MICE destination with vast opportunities.

Sumate Sudasna
President,
Thailand Incentive and Convention Association