Redefining Thailand MICE experience

The meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) industry is taking a stronger role in Thailand’s national development. MICE is now incorporated as a new growth driving engine in the government's 20-year national development plan. In addition, the Thai government makes it a policy to promote more local and community attractions beyond the established MICE destinations. Against this backdrop, Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) sets to “redefine” business events experience by showcasing to international media, the new strengths of Bangkok and Hua Hin's dual destination dynamism as product development continues to create new attractions and activities at a community level.
 
Mrs Nichapa Yoswee, Senior Vice President - Business, TCEB, said: “TCEB is using this to help redefine business experiences for MICE travellers in both destinations. The brand-new attraction at ICONSIAM, the new venue - TrueIcon Hall, together with the latest exclusive Michelin starred culinary experiences, are helping to strengthen international MICE business in Thailand. While innovative attractions and activities in local communities, like coconut palm sugar production in Samut Songkram, salt spa in Phetchaburi, both in the vicinity of Hua Hin, and herbal products in Hua Hin, present redefined business opportunities and experiences often not previously available."
 
Indeed, supporting local communities and implementing sustainable practices featured strongly in this year’s international media familiarisation trip as venues and restaurants emphasized on using locally grown produces, environmentally friendly gifts and procedures, and there was a noticeable reduction in distribution of water in single-use plastic bottles throughout the trip. Read more about some of these experiences:

• Michelin-Star restaurant Bo.lan, Bangkok
• Celadon, Thai fine-dining at The Sukhothai, Bangkok
• Praya Palazzo, Bangkok - Memories Redefined
• The Sukhothai Hotel, Bangkok
• Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas, Hua Hin
• Marriot Resort Hua Hin
• Iconsiam Mall and TrueIcon Hall, Bangkok
• Rural community attractions for MICE: Baan Tha Ka Village, King Rama II Memorial Park, Salt Spa and Somdet Phra Srinagarindra Park
• Thailand MICE Forum 2019, Bangkok​

​Looking ahead, Thailand will soon welcome global meetings for two major international associations: the UIA Asia Pacific Round Table 2019 scheduled from 19 to 20 September in Pattaya and the 86th UFI Global Congress 2019 scheduled from 6 to 9 November in Bangkok.
 
In 2020, TCEB will continue to focus on key markets around Southeast Asia, Europe, USA, China and India supported by new development of MICE infrastructure and products. This includes increased function space of new venue hotel opening and expanded and upgraded transportation options in Bangkok and nationwide. The development is in conjunction with TCEB's Seven Magnificent MICE Themes, BizConnect Application and the Online Request for Support (RFS) among many other initiatives to promote new ideas for MICE and tools to facilitate events located in Thailand.

“Another key direction of TCEB in 2020 is deepening private-public sector partnership and collaboration, such as the Thailand Incentive and Convention Association, Thai Exhibition Association and Thai Hotels Association, to find creative MICE solutions and new MICE experiences for clients hosting events in Thailand, which we believe will enhance redefined business experiences of our clients”
Mrs Nichapa Yoswee, Senior Vice President - Business, TCEB