The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (Public Organisation), or TCEB, has announced that its drive to increase the number of European MICE travellers visiting Thailand has been a great success thanks to new initiatives aimed at boosting visitor numbers and revenue.
By offering an endless choice of destinations, global standards of service and diverse business opportunities, Thailand welcomed a total of 1,086,229 visitors to business events during the 2015 fiscal year, generating 94,966 million baht (USD 2,673 million/EUR 2,378.31 million) in revenue. In total, 118,436 MICE travellers arrived from Europe, up from 106,014 in 2014, delivering 10,992.29 million baht (USD 309.38 million/EUR 275.29 million) in revenue, an 11.26 per cent increase over the 9,879.29 million baht (USD 278.05 million/EUR 247.42 million) spent in 2014. The top 10 European markets were: France, the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Belgium, Switzerland, Russia, and Norway.
Mr Nopparat Maythaveekulchai, president of the TCEB, explains: “Europe remains an important market for Thailand’s MICE sector and as our infrastructure improves, we want to grow it further by accommodating a greater number of visitors. By integrating new CSR initiatives into our business events portfolio, visitors can make a genuine and lasting connection with our destination.”Mr Nopparat continues ”Additionally, we’ve launched a Thailand CONNECT Welcome Package for 2016, offering special privileges for MICE visitors to make the most of their trips and enjoy some of the many experiences that Thailand has to offer.”
TCEB’s new “Thailand; the CSR destination: Sustainable & Soulful” initiative engages organisers and participants by combining unique pre- and post-programme activities with social, cultural and natural diversity. Four key areas are highlighted as emerging trends.
‘Beach destinations for sustainability and CSR’ includes grassroots ecotourism, where activities are designed in collaboration with local villages, based on the principle of community-based tourism. Showcasing Bangkok’s role as ‘Capital for sustainability and CSR’, activities include audio books for the blind, visiting the city’s six key shrines and supporting the work of the non-profit Khonthai Foundation. ‘Wildlife for Sustainability and CSR’ encourages participants to connect with local farmers, or to help build salt licks to nurture wildlife. Delegates can also contribute to a range of Royal Project Initiatives, founded by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand, to improve the quality of life in rural communities.
As part of Thailand’s three fundamental pillars for MICE industry development- destination, business and people, the TCEB has launched the second phase of its Thailand CONNECT Welcome Package. Running from February-December 2016, the initiative provides MICE travellers with essentials to better ‘connect’ with businesses in Thailand. Special privileges include a Thailand CONNECT edition BTS pass, a Bangkok MICE Map that covers key MICE venues and attractions in Bangkok, a Thailand CONNECT USB drive card, seven-days of free WiFi usage and a Thailand CONNECT Welcome Package card which lists discounts on products and services in Bangkok’s Ratchaprasong areas. The TCEB has also produced a Thailand CONNECT card translating simple Thai phrases to help MICE travellers connect with local Thai communities.
Mr. Nopparat concludes: “The ‘Thailand CONNECT Welcome Package’ forms part of TCEB’s 2016 marketing initiatives, including the Thailand CONNECT, Our Heart…Your World strategy. To help Thailand’s MICE industry reach five per cent growth, we expect to welcome 1,060,000 business travellers in the 2016 fiscal year, contributing 92,000 million baht (USD 2,589 million/EUR 2,304 million) to the Thai economy.”
For 2016, Thailand’s thriving MICE industry has attracted a host of important events from Europe, including the 130-pax EBP Incentive group from Belgium in February and the 220-pax Fidelidate from Portugal in April and May. Visitors to IMEX Frankfurt 2016 can learn more about TCEB’s special offerings at stand B150 and meet a range of Thailand’s leading business events entrepreneurs, including hotel and venue operators, destination management companies, Thai Airways International and the Thailand Incentive and Convention Association.
