November 2024
TICA
mice
UPDATE
Chiang Rai Hotels Ready for MICE Events Again
Aekphon Phothiphrom,
General Manager of Le Meridien Chiang Rai
- How has the recent severe flooding affected your MICE operations, including bookings, cancellations, and revenue?
Answer: The flooding in September 2024 caused temporary disruptions to our MICE operations. While some bookings were postponed due to safety concerns, our proactive communication with clients minimised cancellations. Revenue was impacted in the short term, particularly during September and October. Additionally, the timing of the flooding, during the booking window for Q4 group MICE events, contributed to a decline in enquiries for the rest of the year.
- What specific challenges did the flooding pose to hosting MICE events during and after the disaster?
Answer: The primary challenges were related to accessibility and logistics, as the flooding affected external infrastructure such as roads and nearby areas outside the hotel. While Le Meridien Chiang Rai Resort itself was not physically impacted by the flood, ensuring smooth transportation and coordinating with attendees remained a key focus during and after the event.
- Were there any effective precautionary steps in place to minimise the impact of flooding on your property and services?
Answer:- Elevated Location: Although our location is in a flood-prone area, we had proactively planned for such situations by elevating the land above historical flood levels. This foresight ensured that the hotel premises remained unaffected by the recent flooding.
- Proactive Monitoring: We maintained close communication with local communities to monitor and receive timely flood warnings.
- Contingency Plans: We had comprehensive contingency plans in place, including guest communication protocols, alternative transport arrangements, and backup power sources.
- Staff Training: Our team is trained in emergency procedures to ensure guest safety and operational continuity in such situations.
- What lessons have you learned from this event, and what measures are you planning to implement to ensure better disaster preparedness in the future?
Answer: This event reinforced the importance of:
- Enhanced Communication: We plan to implement even more robust communication plans for reaching guests, stakeholders, and government organisations during emergencies.
- Infrastructure Assessment: We will conduct a thorough review of external infrastructure dependencies and develop alternative solutions for potential disruptions.
- Community Collaboration: We will strengthen our collaboration with local communities and organisations to enhance our collective response to future disasters.
- Sustainability Integration: We are exploring sustainable infrastructure upgrades, such as renewable energy sources, to increase resilience against natural disasters.
- How has the government supported the MICE and hospitality sector, during and in the aftermath of the flooding?
Answer: The government has implemented general tourism initiatives, such as the "Aew Nua Kon La Krung" campaign, aimed at boosting domestic travel. Additionally, tax incentives were introduced from 1 May to 30 November 2024, allowing companies to claim deductions for organising conventions and seminars during the low season. However, there have been no specific support measures targeted at the MICE sector in the aftermath of the flooding.
- Are there any collaborative initiatives between the government and the hospitality industry to rebuild and promote Northern Thailand as a resilient MICE destination?
Answer: At this time, there are no specific collaborative initiatives between the government and the hospitality industry focused on rebuilding and promoting Northern Thailand as a MICE destination. While general tourism campaigns are in place, targeted efforts for the MICE sector have yet to be introduced.
- What sustainable strategies are you implementing to reassure MICE planners that your destination is safe and reliable for events, and is ready for any potential future natural disasters?
Answer: While we do not have specific sustainability strategies for natural disasters, we follow Marriott International's risk management protocols, including detailed crisis management plans, real-time monitoring through the Global Security Operations Centre, and staff training for emergencies. These measures, along with collaboration with local authorities, ensure the safety and reliability of our property for MICE planners.
- Are you offering any special incentives or packages to encourage MICE planners to return to Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai?
Answer: Yes, we are offering flexible options for returning groups, including special rates and added complimentary items tailored to enhance the overall experience. Additionally, through the Marriott Bonvoy Events programme, planners can earn up to 60,000 points per event on eligible room, food, beverage, and audiovisual charges, with higher earning potential for Titanium Elite and Ambassador Elite members. These points can be redeemed for free nights, flights, and more, providing added value for hosting events at our property.
- What sustainable strategies are you implementing to reassure MICE planners that your destination is safe and reliable for events, and is ready for any potential future natural disasters?
Answer:Northern Thailand offers a unique blend of:
- Scenic Beauty & Culture: Stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and a tranquil atmosphere provide an inspiring backdrop for events.
- Accessibility: Chiang Rai International Airport offers convenient access with frequent domestic flights and connections to international destinations. Our resort is less than 10 minutes from the airport.
- Versatile Event Spaces: Le Meridien Chiang Rai Resort boasts state-of-the-art meeting spaces, creative and sustainable meeting options, and exceptional catering services.
- Experiential Activities: We offer curated team-building activities, including CSR initiatives, to enhance the event experience.
- Sustainability Focus: Our commitment to environmental and social responsibility aligns with the growing demand for sustainable events.
Impact on Business Operations
Precautionary Measures
Collaboration with the Government
Restoring Confidence
USPs of Northern Thailand
Eric Hallin,
General Manager of The Legend Chiang Rai Boutique River Resort & Spa
- How has the recent severe flooding affected your MICE operations, including bookings, cancellations, and revenue?
Answer: The recent flooding in Chiang Rai on 11 September forced a total closure of the resort with all forward bookings having to be cancelled September, October and November.
It also brought about doubts of the long-term viability for MICE with organizers worried for future flooding.
- What specific challenges did the flooding pose to hosting MICE events during and after the disaster?
Answer: The flooding destroyed restaurants, kitchens, meeting rooms and guest rooms as well as generators, PMS, POS, computer servers, spa, gym and much more.
The river has never come up this high (6 meters) in the last 100 years. We have moved our new computer servers to the second floor, our air-conditioning compressors off the ground, and move as much as possible to be higher. - Were there any effective precautionary steps in place to minimise the impact of flooding on your property and services?
Answer: We are a 14-rai low-rise development next to the Mae Kok River. The water did not only come from the river but also equally much from the road and neighbouring properties.
Nobody in last few generations had seen any flood of this magnitude. Our previous flooding in August 2022 and August 2024 (said at the time to be the worst in over 80 years)were both a lot different in scope. In the past the river would rise to a maximum of 3-3.5 meters above the normal river level and only be coming from the river. This was more than 2 meters higher than what had previously been experienced.
- What lessons have you learned from this event, and what measures are you planning to implement to ensure better disaster preparedness in the future?
Answer: We have had no visits from local or federal government other than a visit by the director of the Chiang Rai branch of TAT.
We are looking at building an earth dyke and have asked for some expert advise on how to best deal in protecting 14-rai of land. - How has the government supported the MICE and hospitality sector, during and in the aftermath of the flooding?
Answer: We have absolutely no information from any Government offices of any assistance or guidance in preventing future incidents like these.
Even though the water masses was coming from Myanmar via Thaton 130/80 kms away respectively, we had no prior warning of the amounts of water coming down.
Nor have we heard any explanadion from any department as why so much water came after 48 hours of heavy rainfall. It could have been a dam or two that burst. - Are there any collaborative initiatives between the government and the hospitality industry to rebuild and promote Northern Thailand as a resilient MICE destination?
Answer: None that we are aware of
- What sustainable strategies are you implementing to reassure MICE planners that your destination is safe and reliable for events, and is ready for any potential future natural disasters?
Answer: While we do not have specific sustainability strategies for natural disasters, we follow Marriott International's risk management protocols, including detailed crisis management plans, real-time monitoring through the Global Security Operations Center, and staff training for emergencies. These measures, along with collaboration with local authorities, ensure the safety and reliability of our property for MICE planners.
- Are you offering any special incentives or packages to encourage MICE planners to return to Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai?
Answer: We are working on this.
- What sustainable strategies are you implementing to reassure MICE planners that your destination is safe and reliable for events, and is ready for any potential future natural disasters?
Answer: Our hotel/resort is a beautiful low-rise resort giving a feel of Lanna hospitality. We are suitable for smaller MICE groups with our 76 rooms, 3 restaurants and beautiful grounds.
Impact on Business Operations
Precautionary Measures
Collaboration with the Government
Restoring Confidence
USPs of Northern Thailand
