MESSAGE FROM

President

One Step Back, Two Steps Forward

Thailand's MICE Industry Continues to Rise Above Challenges

Dear TICA Members,

In the face of immense challenges, Thailand's MICE industry continues to show resilience and determination. We have taken two steps forward and, even when forced to take one step backward due to the challenges posed by ongoing global issues, we have continued to make progress.

Despite ongoing hurdles such as high airfare, limited airline capacity, and a host of other problems including shortages of professional staff in our hospitality sector and fresh conflicts flaring up in the Middle East, Thailand has managed to impressively recover lost ground and our recent achievements speak volumes about our unwavering spirit. This is in part to the Kingdom's initiatives towards improving ease of travel for foreign visitors, including a temporary visa-free entry for mainland Chinese tourist that may soon become permanent, and plans for similar visa waivers for travellers from Taiwan and India.

At the IT&CMA event held in Bangkok, Thailand demonstrated its strength by securing a total of 405 leads. Furthermore, FIFA has chosen Thailand as the venue for its 2024 Congress. These successes signify the firm strides we are making in the right direction. Looking ahead, Thailand plans to elevate its status as a high-value-added MICE destination. As proudly announced by TCEB President, Khun Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, we aim to attract MICE visitors through future-oriented industries and authentic local experiences. Our recent "MICE Foresight" study emphasises our commitment to the future success of our customers, contributing significantly to their personal, professional, and business growth. Other collaboration opportunities came in the form of the first-ever ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, when both regions discussed closer collaboration in terms of trade, sustainable energy, and people-to-people relations, which will hopefully boost visitors from GCC countries.

For meetings and incentives visitors, we will continue to invest in product development, ensuring a diverse range of engaging and meaningful activities in Thailand. These investments will include infrastructure updates to key MICE destinations, such as this issue's destination showcase, Phuket. It is hoped that these upgrades will boost MICE activities and travel in Thailand. The island province will see a THB 148 billion proposal to the cabinet by the transport ministry, which includes the construction and extension of new highways, and a second airport for the province.

Furthermore, addressing the pressing issue of environmental sustainability, Phuket has taken a proactive stance. Through collaboration between the private sector and local government, Phuket province has launched its Phuket Sustainable Strategies 2030. This ten-pillar framework aligns with the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and aims to guide the province towards a more sustainable future. Notably, the framework has streamlined various aspects, merging Fisheries & Farms into a singular Value-Based Agriculture pillar for greater clarity. Programmes like these continue to put Thailand on the global sustainable map, and is the reason that the Kingdom is in the Top 40 of the Global Destination Sustainability Index 2023, with Bangkok and even Songkhla both in the list this year, a testament to TCEB's persistent efforts.

Moreover, we have always recognised the potential of Thailand's smaller cities in driving growth. These cities offer a wealth of opportunities and can help alleviate rural poverty. Patricia Mongkhonvanit, Director-General of the Public Debt Department, emphasised the importance of secondary cities in generating accessible opportunities for those residing in rural areas. "The Ministry of Finance will leverage the insights and findings presented in the study to support urban growth in these cities to meet the needs of the residents, businesses and industries," according to her; a positive announcement for MICE secondary destinations.

As we navigate the challenges ahead, let us remember that troubles are temporary. We have already weathered the storm of the COVID-19 pandemic, and whatever challenges come our way now will be manageable. It is imperative for all our members to continue to work together. We believe that with dedication and strategic efforts, we can overcome any obstacles that lie ahead. In closing, I extend my best wishes to all our members for success in this final stretch of the year. Together, let us move forward, confident in our ability to cement Thailand's position as a premier MICE destination of the world.

Sumate Sudasna
President,
Thailand Incentive and Convention Association