From 15 to 19 August , Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) organizes an annual media event, TCEB International Media Familiarisation Trip, or IMFT2017 to provide a first-hand experience of Thailand’s readiness and capability as a regional MICE hub in Asia.
Being held under the theme “CONNECT Thailand: Kingdom of Bleisure,” the trip showcases Bleisure destinations, Pattaya, Hua Hin, and Bangkok to 35 international media from 16 countries.
Mrs. Supawan Teerarat, Vice President of TCEB’s Strategic and Business Development, said that Thailand is moving forward in all area of development to steer the national economy to Thailand 4.0 era. The government encourages public and private partnership along the economic transition with policies that enhance new business environment, the innovation, as well as the promotion of hard and soft infrastructure. Thailand 4.0 inspires and encourages business activities and this, in turn, makes the country a venue for meetings linked to trade development, technology and research. The uplift of the country’s economy will directly benefit MICE industry.
“TCEB maps our strategies in line with the country’s economic blueprint. By enhancing MICE as a driving force behind the economic growth, we connect the international business community including Thailand 4.0 targeted industrial segments, through diverse strategic approaches. Our latest international communication campaign showcases the country’s fundamental pillars of MICE industry include Myriad Business Opportunities, Diverse Destinations, and the People of Thailand, which is a perfect mix that makes Thailand the leading destination for the Bleisure travelers.”
TCEB’s role is to push MICE industry to drive the country towards stability, prosperity and sustainability to be competitive. The results of a study on economic impact in 2015 show that the Thai MICE industry helped generate total expenditure of 220 billion baht (USD 6,285 million) for the country's economy, while generating 164,427 jobs, and benefitting industry networking, and generating tax revenue of 10,400 million baht. (USD 297.1 million)
“Last year, Thailand’s MICE industry received positive news from leading international associations. The International Congress and Convention Association, or ICCA, placed Thailand as having hosted 174 events, ranking Thailand 24th, an improvement from 27th in 2015, with Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Pattaya ranking higher than the previous year as well. In terms of exhibitions, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, or UFI, ranked Thailand the number 1 among ASEAN nations in terms of exhibition space sold over the past 5 years (2011-2015)” said Mrs. Supawan.
Bleisure destinations: Pattaya, Hua Hin, and Bangkok feature potential growth in MICE. Pattaya, the country’s favorite sea side resort for business and leisure, will be benefited from the upcoming mega projects in the Eastern Economic Corridor, located in its neighborhood. The next major economic zone of ASEAN will see more that 1.505 trillion baht (USD 43 billion) of the new investment during the next five years. Key infrastructure projects that will enhance connectivity and business activities in the area include an upgrade of U-Tapao Airport and Laem Chabang Seaport; high-speed eastern rail route development; double track railways development; and highways and motorways expansion. Future more, the economic corridor is expected to be the powerhouse for ten targeted future-industries under Thailand 4.0 model attracted by the government tax incentives. Adding the growth of business activities to the sea, sun and beachside fun, Pattaya features endless opportunities for Bleisure travelers. Adding the growth of business activities to the sea, sun and beachside fun, Pattaya features endless opportunities for Bleisure travelers. Recognized as one of Thailand’s leading MICE cities, the destination is home to a world-class multipurpose convention facility, myriad meeting venues, hotels, and seaside attractions. New facilities for Bleisure activities in Pattaya include the Nongnooch International Convention and Exhibition Centre – with a large auditorium and more than adequate seating capacity for seminar, KANN Show – a live cinematic experience inspired by Thai pieces of literature; and Health Land Spa Pattaya – a one-stop landmark for total wellness.
Conveniently linked with Pattaya by a two-hour ferry ride via the Gulf of Thailand, and two and a half hours drive from Bangkok, Hua Hin - the royal heritage beach resort town traces its aristocratic roots to 1920s when royal summer residences established in the area. Today, Hua Hin is home to luxury hotel chains. The town is popular with Thai and foreigners as business events destination that can cater for exclusive and luxury activities with the heritage theme. In addition, the destination features numerous world-class golfing resorts, spas, outstanding seafood restaurants, and a vibrant night market.
The southern gateway city is expected to see a development of high-speed train route, 211 km from Bangkok in the near future. The five years construction project, worth 94.67 billion baht (USD 2,704 million), is being assessed for feasibility.
Bangkok - the quintessential Asian metropolis, offers anything Bleisure travelers could desire. The Thai capital city is a hub for Thailand’s MICE industry with abundant choices of world-class conventions and meeting venues, accommodations, shopping centers, fine dining and entertainment options. The city is expanding its development of an urban rail transit network serving the Greater Bangkok area. An improvement of the mass transit system will offer visitors an efficient transportation as well as layers of economic benefits to further strengthening the county’s MICE hub. Also, the new development of Siam Synergy, with a collaboration of property in Siam District, will further strengthen Bangkok as a key strategic economic, commercial hub and one of the world’s most comprehensive and diverse lifestyle centers.
