Dear TICA Members,

As we head toward the final quarter of this year, I am pleased to report that Thailand's business events industry continues to show steady growth, reaffirming our position as a premier MICE destination in Asia. Despite global uncertainties - including the disruptive floods that hit our northern cities, ongoing global geopolitical tensions, and wars - our industry's resilience and adaptability have been instrumental in sustaining momentum.

The Thai MICE sector continues its impressive recovery, driven by our unwavering focus on safety, innovation, and service excellence. The easing of visa policies continue to attract a surge of in-person events, with incentive travel showing particularly strong demand. Industry analysts predict that activities and per-person spending in this segment will exceed 2024 levels within the next two years, further solidifying Thailand's appeal for regional and global events. In the past three quarters, key MICE cities such as Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Pattaya have hosted high-profile conferences and incentive programs, showcasing our ability to meet diverse business needs with excellence.

A recent highlight was the familiarisation trip organised by TCEB on 7 October 2024, to the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC). This initiative introduced government representatives, private sector leaders, MICE entrepreneurs, and media professionals to the region's growing potential. Adding to our growing list of accolades, Phuket was honoured on 3 October 2024, with the prestigious "2024 IFEA World Festival & Event City" title by the International Festivals & Events Association (IFEA). Phuket is now the third Thai city to receive this award, joining Chiang Mai and Sukhothai.

I'm also pleased to announce the relaunch of TICA's MICE Guide to Thailand after a five-year hiatus. The 2025-26 edition will blend print and digital platforms, offering a comprehensive and practical resource to showcase Thailand's event spaces and venues, with special pullout booklets on each MICE region.

None of this progress would have been possible without the commitment of our partners across the public and private sectors - hoteliers, event organisers, destination management companies (DMCs), and government agencies. As ever, TICA, in collaboration with TCEB, remains focused on fostering new opportunities, promoting sustainability, and enhancing Thailand's competitiveness on the global MICE stage.

Thank you for your trust and support. Let's continue working together to achieve even greater success and finish the year on a high note.

Warm regards,
Mr. Sumate Sudasna
President, Thailand Incentive and Convention Association (TICA)