More than 10,000 MICE entrepreneurs on board business matching e-marketplace, as the Kingdom pushes digital capabilities alongside border reopening.

This article was originally found on M&C/Asia.

As part of Thailand's reopening strategy, Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau has announced a deeper digitising of operations for the MICE industry, "which has proved more significant as the heart of survival in the face of disruption".

This includes the 2019-launched Thai MICE Connect, where more than 10,000 local MICE entrepreneurs have since joined the one-stop e-marketplace for buyers and sellers in search of venues, accommodations, organisers, excursions, food and beverage, shopping, and ancillary services across 12 categories.

Recently upgraded functions include chat, video call and quotation requests, to better facilitate "direct business contacts and dealings, which will help save time and enable the clients to estimate and manage their budget," added Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, President of Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB).

The bureau's chief added that local MICE players — "especially venues, accommodations and service providers with international profile, are ready for overseas clients".

With a majority of its registrants falling into the meetings and incentive segment, Thai MICE Connect has also integrated into its system the new 10 creative MICE routes, highlighting each individual city's capability, readiness, attractions and uniqueness to local and global planners.

According to Chiruit, TCEB received approximately 400 quotation requests in 2021 on Thai MICE Connect, and are expecting more from domestic and international users in 2022.

Thailand recently restarted quarantine-free travel for international travellers on 1 February, including an expanded Sandbox programme for entry into a total of six destinations including Phuket.