The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), the country’s official government agency supporting global and regional business events in Thailand, won 10 bids in the first two quarters of this year.
International events taking place in Thailand this year include:
- Jun 22-26, 33rd International Epilepsy Congress 2019, pax 4,200
- July 7-14, 45th International Council of Traditional Music, pax 1,000
- July 19-26, 8th Education International World Congress 2019
- Nov 6-9, 86th UFI Global Congress, pax 400
The latest statistics from TCEB show that the country welcomed 594,663 overseas MICE visitors in the first two quarters of 2019 – an increase of 8.6% from the same period last year. In terms of European visitors, Germany leads the pack with 6,868, followed by Russia 6,779, and 4,192 from the UK.
TCEB has launched financial incentives for corporate groups and planners to encourage large scale visits to the country. The new ‘Meet Special Bonus’ privileges are available for planners holding an event with a minimum of 100 international delegates who stay in Thailand at least three nights and use a venue recognised by the Thailand MICE Venue Standard (TMVS) or stay in a TICA member’s hotel. Groups will receive a THB 50,000 (approximately €1,392) financial subsidy to support groups travelling between 1 April and 30 September 2019.
Bangkok’s business event offering is rapidly expanding with the launch of the riverside True ICONSIAM Hall (12000 sqm space) and Capella Hotel Bangkok. In 2022 the renovated Queen Sirikit National Convention Center will open offering 55,000 sqm of event space. Three 5* hotels and a new special venue (4,700 sqm function space) join the wide range of venues in Bangkok.
Thailand’s ICCA 2018 Ranking jumped to 5th place in Asia from 6th in 2017, with the highest number of conventions ever recorded for Thailand, (193 events), retaining its position as top destination in Southeast Asia for another year. Bangkok becomes for the first time the world’s top ten destinations. aCA ranking 2018 puts Bangkok dia Fam Trip Press Release
This follows Asia’s 2nd ranking of the city as a sustainable destination in 2018 as conducted by Global Sustainability Destination Index.
More magnificent reasons to visit Thailand
Alongside major new venue openings, TCEB has launched ‘7 Magnificent MICE Themes’ focusing on the country’s key and unique attractions: history and culture, exhilarating adventures, team building, CSR & green meetings, beach bliss, lavish luxury and culinary journeys. Highlights for delegates include taking part in the restoration of marine life in Pattaya and learning about the production of organic coffee from a local community in Chiang Mai.
Alongside this, delegates can enjoy top-notch gastronomy – ranging from Michelin-starred restaurants (the country now has 27 as well as 72 Bib Gourmand restaurants), to innovative street vendors. There are also new “mega” attractions – an ultra-luxury shopping complex along the river in Bangkok (ICONSIAM) and King Power Mahanakhon Observation Deck – the highest point of Bangkok and perfect for small groups.
Mr Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, TCEB’s President, comments, “The improved ranking, the constant development of MICE infrastructure and attractions, and overseas confidence in selecting Thailand show our dynamic to redefine business experiences and generate stronger return on investment. TCEB is ready to be a co-creator, partner, collaborator and thought-leader, helping overseas business events maximize our dynamic and our support campaign for their success.”
