Mohit Rathod – Mumbai
Thailand is concentrating its efforts to promote the country as a MICE destination in Asia, particularly in India. In the first quarter of 2016, Thailand witnessed more MICE delegates from India than any other source country in 2015. “India is the second largest MICE market for Thailand, after China, with over 100,000 arrivals from this segment in 2015,” informed Nooch Homrossukhon, director, meetings and incentives department, Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), at the recenly held Thailand Connect buyer – seller meet organised by TCEB in Mumbai.
The event saw participation from 30 partners from Thailand. Speaking at the event, Ekapol Poolpipat, consul general, Royal Thai Consulate General, Mumbai, said, “India is a vital and an emerging market. India and China are the biggest markets for us. Other key markets include Europe, the US and Australia. TCEB has worked hard to promote Thailand as a MICE destination in Asia. TCEB has also encouraged the Thai government to invest more in MICE infrastructure in the country.”
TCEB, a government organisation overseen by Thailand PMO, is working closely with public and private sector to boost MICE business in the country. “During the last four years, we got a lot of MICE business from India, because Indians are increasingly interested in Thai destinations for corporate events. We have received a lot of business from Mumbai, Delhi and Bengaluru due to huge presence of corporates in these cities,” commented Chutipong Tantisahasrangsee, director of sales and marketing, Pheonix Events Group, a Thai-based event management firm.
Currently the five key MICE destinations in Thailand include Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen, Bangkok, Pattaya and Phuket. Alongside, TCEB is also promoting the Tier II MICE cities such as Chian Rai, Kanchanaburi, Hua Hin, Koh Samui, Hat Yai, Krabi and Phang Nga. “TCEB has helped us connect to partners from the Indian travel trade. We try to showcase our MICE offerings and promote Chiang Mai. We are expecting growth from the India market this year,” stated Natenapha Suttithamdamrong, vice president, Pinkanakorn Development Agency, and director, Chiang Mai Exhibition and Convention Centre (CMECC).
