MESSAGE FROM

President

Gearing Up for the Challenges Ahead

To reflect on the situation we have all become far too familiar with, I would like to begin with an analogy. Much like competitive sprinters, our members have been called to the starting blocks time and time again, only for the race to be called off entirely. These false starts, brought on by each new wave of the pandemic has led to a collective feeling that the light at the end of the tunnel continues to be out of reach.

However, as we move into the second quarter of the year, I think I speak for all of us when I say that the light is most definitely growing brighter as a result of the time we have put aside to arm ourselves with new skills and knowledge that will reignite the business events industry in the Kingdom. Our focus will also need to be on the initiatives that have been launched in regards to the easing of travel restrictions, training the MICE fraternity to overcome potential challenges in the near future, keeping up a high standard of hygiene, and so forth.

One of the most exciting recent announcements is the Thai government’s decision to replace the second PCR test requirement for Test and Go travellers with the more convenient and inexpensive ATK test. This campaign has been exceptionally successful since its launch. This continued forward movement coupled with the fact that many nations that are considered a major ‘customer-base’ for Thailand have had restrictions completely lifted means that eager Thai DMCs and EMCs will have the opportunity to tap into more business opportunities, drawing in the pent-up demand from travellers keen to visit or revisit the Land of Smiles.

Moreover, I would also like to take this opportunity to thank TCEB for their ongoing efforts to train, educate, and motivate the MICE fraternity, gearing us up for the challenges ahead while focusing on strategies that will aid with the industry’s recovery. From bidding for iconic world events to demonstrate Thailand’s capacity for largescale events; and hosting events related to advanced industries such as robotics and automation, aviation and logistics spanning Thailand’s first-ever International Air Show set for 2027, tourism and health tourism, biotech, and more; to reaffirming Thailand’s position as a gateway to ASEAN, there is plenty in the works that will benefit all stakeholders in the months to come.

In addition, key MICE destinations are beginning to put plans in motion to welcome new MICE business as highlighted in TCEB’s round up of four locations in four MICE cities that boast venues ready to support all types of business events. Each venue offers advanced audiovisual technology, versatile settings, and experienced teams in place to aid with hosting all types of gatherings. In this edition of the newsletter we also put focus on Khon Kaen as a featured MICE destination.

Recognised as Thailand’s fifth official MICE City, Khon Kaen is a hub for commercial and industrial development and is now a primary focus of the government’s East-West Economic Corridor Scheme (EWEC) that will connect Thailand with four neighbouring countries, namely China, Vietnam, Laos, and Myanmar. The destination is also home to the region’s largest convention centre, several five-star hotels, and an international airport, all the elements that make for an attractive MICE hub that will see further investment in the future.

The features I have touched upon in this message are merely the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the level of work and preparation that is going on behind the scenes in regards to the MICE industry. As we finally begin to emerge from a few difficult years, I would like to encourage all of our members and further stakeholders to remain optimistic for the near future. Only with a positive attitude and an honest combined effort can be begin to push the industry towards the future we all had hoped for, and I have no doubt that we will soon be welcoming back business events with a smile.


Sumate Sudasna
President,
Thailand Incentive and Convention Association