MESSAGE FROM

the President of TICA

Dear TICA Members,

Throughout the years, the Kingdom has shown its ability to overcome even the worst disasters and I firmly believe that navigating the pandemic will be no different. Despite the daily influx of negative news, I ask all MICE stakeholders to remain optimistic as we enter Q4 of this year as there is still much to look forward to. Remember, patience is not just the ability to wait but the ability to keep a good attitude while waiting.

Therefore, with this message I would like to put a spotlight on the various initiatives being launched nationwide that will benefit all of us in the MICE fraternity. The first, is the Phuket Sandbox. A mammoth project, a total of 22,810 travellers have arrived under the scheme with 409,390 room night bookings made at SHA+ hotels between July and September.

Despite meticulous planning it is only prudent to say that it has met its fair share of bumps in the road as a result of small clusters of infection, the need for more locals to be vaccinated, which subsequently has led to partial limitations, to the dismay of some incoming tourists, especially those who hope for onward travel to Bangkok. However, as of this month it has been reported that over 3,578 tourists have departed Phuket by land to extension areas like Bangkok, which demonstrates that despite difficulties, the Sandbox is far from stagnant.

With a quick response to an unfolding obstacle in Phuket, the situation seems to be under control as the government’s recently activated ‘Phuket 7+7’ model that will allow Sandbox tourists easier travel to nearby destinations such as Phang Nga province, which is now set in motion and expected to welcome 30,000 travellers generating 2.5 billion baht.

As Hua Hin and Chiang Mai are next on the list to be green-lighted for incoming travellers, we put focus on the latter destination for this month’s showcase, exhibiting all that Chiang Mai has to offer in terms of venues and new expansions. It goes without saying that this forward momentum will greatly benefit our members and MICE stakeholders in these regions.

Moreover, TCEB, who are always at the forefront of developing MICE business in the Kingdom, will continue to support 18 online events as part of its ‘MICE Winnovation’ campaign. These events are designed to strengthen the industry through building technological infrastructure, which we will see the benefits of for years to come as MICE becomes increasingly dependent on new innovation. On the topic of infrastructure, developments continue on some of the nation’s physical infrastructure including the new, entirely sustainable Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, as well as new inner city rail lines for better connectivity, and improvements to existing venues.

These developments will certainly come into play as the nation gears up for its reopening. Neighbouring nation Singapore has already announced that the country is open to fully-vaccinated travellers from select nations, which means that Thailand’s turn is on the horizon. Moreover, the CCSA’s decision to approve the Sputnik vaccine means Russian travellers will be gearing up for trips to the Kingdom towards the end of the year.

With all of these initiatives in place, it is imperative that we as members of the country’s multifaceted MICE industry begin to transform strategy into execution. We must be ready to revive, rebuild, and rebound. We must be ready for any challenge that might arise when the country is set to open, so that we can push forward and ensure that this industry has a bright future ahead. In the meantime, I hope all of you stay healthy and hungry for success.


Sumate Sudasna
President,
Thailand Incentive and Convention Association