TICA MICE UPDATE
October
2019
MESSAGE FROM
SUMATE SUDASNA
As we enter the last quarter of 2019, I am pleased to say that the efforts made over the course of the year are bearing fruit. We are continually improving our infrastructure, our reach and the quality of our services to lay the groundwork for sustained success in hosting MICE events in Thailand.
Phuket has long been a popular MICE destination owing to the ease of accessibility from within Thailand and abroad, its developing landscape, and of course, the natural beauty that our country is famous for. On the 28th of September, Angsana Laguna Phuket unveiled the Angsana Convention and Exhibition Space (ACES), a 1,500 sqm venue with the capacity to host up to 1,400 people. General Manager Michal Zitek explains that the sheer size, as well as the adaptability of the space, have attracted enquiries for sizeable MICE events right from its conception.
Also hosting mega incentives is the Pattaya Exhibition and Convention Hall (PEACH), which, in tandem with the Royal Cliff Hotels Group, offers over 13,000sqm of versatile meeting spaces, making it ideal for very large groups. Equipped with appropriate technical support and professional services, PEACH has provided the backdrop for car rallies, product launches and banquets, and just recently, the Infinitus group from China, which organised meetings and celebrations for several groups of over 3,000 people each.
Further validation of Thailand's ability to manage the manifold demands of a large event is evident, as this November, TCEB will be hosting the 86th UFI Global Congress, the world's largest exhibition event. UFI CEO Kai Hattendorf described Thailand as the natural choice to host the congress, due to the significant growth of its global profile as a MICE hub, coupled with research indicating that the country is well-positioned for additional growth in the upcoming years. With over 500 top-level exhibition professionals hailing from over 50 countries, TCEB, in conjunction with TICA, TEA, Bangkok River Partners and THA, will ensure the success of the event exceeds expectations.
We must be careful not to rest on our laurels, and instead, focus on maintaining and elevating our current, strengthening status as a top MICE destination. With Thailand striving to increase its foothold on the global stage, for example by representing the country at the upcoming IBTM congress in Barcelona, I remain confident that we will continue to adapt and progress to tackle any future challenges.
Sumate Sudasna
President,
Thailand Incentive and Convention Association
