TOURISM
TCEB unveils 10 MICE routes to enrich experiences in all 10 MICE cities
TCEB announced the contest results of ‘10 Creative MICE Routes in 10 MICE Cities’.
This article was originally found on Business Events Thailand.
The routes are aimed to stimulate MICE market with offering of distinctive natural setting, way of life and culture, which will become post-COVID major selling point of each MICE City.
Mr. Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, President, Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (Public Organization) or TCEB, stated that the ‘Thai MICE Connect - 10 Creative Routing Contest’ is one of the bureau’s strategic directions in enhancing the potential and readiness of each MICE City once the COVID-19 measures are lifted. Along with the routes, TCEB has impressive package for MICE travellers in order to help promote the economy and culture of the communities in each city.
“Our consistent promotion of domestic MICE has made us realise that MICE organisers continue to look for more new products and attractions based on such criteria as convenient accessibility, possibility of carrying out the activities, contributing to income generation to the communities and manageability. They all have become TCEB’s guidelines in developing MICE routes of each MICE city.”
‘Thai MICE Connect - 10 Creative Routing Contest’ attracted immense interest with the entry of a total of 95 routes in 10 MICE Cities - Bangkok, Pattaya, Chiang Mai, Phitsanulok, Khon Kaen, Udon Thani, Nakhon Ratchasima, Surat Thani, Phuket and Songkhla. Only 20 routes were selected during the initial screening before the judges made the final 10 winners, each representing each of the 10 MICE Cities as follows;
Bangkok - “Explore green route. Visit Bang Nam Peung community” – biking in a natural setting on the suburb of Bangkok and experience local way of life
Pattaya - “Incentive for All @Pattaya” – visit and view coral reef of Samae San island, release juvenile fish into the sea to conserve marine life and enjoy activities amidst coconut plantation of Takian Tia Community
Chiang Mai - “Chiang Mai MICE City offering diverse Lanna culture and CSR activities for strong bonding” – join Bodhi tree sustaining ritual, engage in CSR activities in Chiang Dao, visit the first factory of the Royal project and experience ethnic cultures
Phitsanulok - “A second tier city that is second to none” – enjoy natural setting and cultural activities, try Mud Yom fabric production and cruise along Nan River
Khon Kaen - “The route to handicraft city and the world of Mudmee silk” - silk production tour in Phon District and Chonnabot Distroct, try mulberry farming and tie-dye activity
Udon Thani - “Amaze zing zab muan sook x2 – visit two cities of Udon Thani and Nongkhai”, - visit Thai-Chinese Cultural Center, explore ancient Khmer civilization, tour 600-rai herbal centre, join a cooking class and tree ordination ritual
Nakhon Ratchasima - “Human with nature, free from pollution, return lives to Khaoyai forest” – tour Khaoyai National Park, join producing seedlings for reforestation, make mushroom cubes for schools, visit a floral park and Chokchai Diary Farm
Surat Thani - “Creative MICE, Enjoy Phangan Style, Experience Moon Power” – soak up the nature, experience wellness, join an art class, learn traditional culinary and visit the crab bank
Phuket - “Local Experience @Phuket Old Town” - explore Phuket’s historic quarter and fishing community, try Phuket pineapple, enjoy boat trip and visit the crab bank
Songkhla - “Southtural MICE in Songkhla” – visit museums, tour Koh Yo, enjoy cruising and view the making of traditional Juan Tani textiles
Each of the 10 winners of ‘Thai MICE Connect - 10 Creative Routing Contest’ received “Outstanding Creative’ trophy and online marketing packages via Thai MICE Connect platform of TCEB, which is worth over 2 million baht in value. In addition, the “Chiang Mai MICE City offering diverse Lanna culture and CSR activities for strong bonding” won the ‘Best of the Best’ prize and received the Crystal Honour Award Trophy and a cash award worth 20,000 baht.
The winner of ‘Best of the Best’ prize, Mr. Chutidech Promkaewngarm, Deputy General Manager, Standard Tour Co., Ltd., said that the distinction of ‘Chiang Mai MICE City’ lies in its diverse Lanna culture. Having stemmed from TCEB’s Thailand 7 MICE Magnificent Themes’, the idea for the route was expanded by synchronizing it with history and culture. The itinerary features the experience with Bodhi tree sustaining ritual, a traditional belief at Chang Kham Temple; join CSR activity at Doi Luang Chiangdao, which is the world’s newest biosphere reserve declared by UNESCO; visit the Royal Factory 1, which is the first factory of the Royal Project founded by late King Rama IX.
Mr. Kittiphong Yawut, the village head of Ban Yang, one of the communities featured in the Best of the Best winning route, stated that “Ban Yang Community is ready to welcome educational tour groups of 15-100 persons each. Previously, we had catered visiting groups from both public and private sectors. These visitors joined a cooking class to learn how to make local dishes and dessert. They also took part in environmental activities, including weir building and visited the Royal Factory 1 at Fang, which is the learning site of the late King Rama IX’s philosophy. Definitely, selecting Ban Yang Community for the itinerary designed for MICE travellers will ensure productive impacts on the community as villagers can make a living, thus, boosting the local economy. Young people will have jobs in their hometown and be able to serve MICE activities.
Mr. Chiruit concluded that, the 10 MICE Routes project will be helpful for MICE entrepreneurs and communities facing COVID-19 impacts in each city. TCEB will help market the route to boost sale and purchase of these products via both offline and online channels, including Thai MICE Connect platform. In this respect, the bureau will organise business matching activities for those looking for routes that will make their creative meetings. Moreover, the winning routes will be combined into TCEB’s domestic market boosting project “Thailand: A Safer Place for Meetings” which will make the 10 routes become eligible for budget support if organisers choose them in organising MICE activities.
