Bangkok (Thailand) – September 6, 2019 (travelindex.com) – The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau's (TCEB) 2019 annual international media tour showcases the renewed strength of the dynamics between the two destinations of Bangkok and Hua Hin, as product development continues to create new attractions and activities at the local level.

TCEB's Senior Vice President – ​​Business, Ms. Nichapa Yoswee, explained: “TCEB is leveraging this to redefine business experiences for MICE travelers at both locations. The brand-new attraction at ICONSIAM, the new event venue – the True ICONSIAM Hall – and the latest exclusive Michelin-starred culinary experiences are all contributing to strengthening the international MICE business in Thailand. Innovative attractions and activities within local communities, such as coconut sugar production in Samut Songkram, the salt bath in Phetchaburi (both near Hua Hin), and the herbal products in Hua Hin, are opening up new business opportunities and experiences that were often unavailable before.”

This realignment of the TCEB comes against the backdrop of the growing importance of the MICE sector for Thailand's national development. MICE is now enshrined as a new growth engine in the government's 20-year national development plan, as is the recent government policy to promote local and regional attractions beyond established tourist destinations. "The positive development of Thai MICE policy is reflected in the TCEB's record results in the 2019 fiscal year. The TCEB secured eleven international conferences and acquired 17 new trade fairs, as well as twelve major meetings and incentive events with over 100,000 participants," said Ms. Nichapa.

This year, Thailand will also host two global MICE events: the UIA Asia Pacific Round Table 2019 from September 19th to 20th in Pattaya and the 86th UFI Global Congress 2019 from November 6th to 9th in Bangkok.

In 2020, TCEB will continue to focus on key markets in Southeast Asia, Europe, the USA, China, and India, further developing its MICE infrastructure and products. This includes expanded event space through newly opened hotels and improved and expanded transportation options in Bangkok and throughout Thailand. These developments are linked to TCEB's "7 MICE Magnificent Themes," the BizConnect application, the online Request for Support (RFS), and numerous other initiatives to foster new ideas for MICE and support events in Thailand.

“Another focus for TCEB in 2020 is deepening partnerships and collaborations between the private and public sectors, such as with the Thailand Incentive and Convention Association (TICA), the Thai Exhibition Association (TEA), and the Thai Hotels Association (THA), to find creative MICE solutions and new MICE experiences for clients hosting events in Thailand. We are confident that this will enhance the redefined business experiences of our clients,” concluded Ms. Nichapa.

Thailand's MICE sector continued its dynamic growth and positive development in 2019. In total, the market recorded 967,828 foreign visitors in the first three quarters of 2019 (an increase of 6.25% compared to the same period of the previous year) and generated revenue of 70,438 million baht (approximately US$2.3 billion, an increase of 2.23% compared to the same period of the previous year).

MICE travel to Thailand remained remarkably stable across all sectors. Meetings recorded a total of 249,371 travelers (+4.44% compared to 2018) and a revenue of 22,022 million baht (+6.53%). Incentive travel reached 274,093 travelers (+3.28%) and a revenue of 15,255 million baht (+0.15%). Conferences recorded 228,592 travelers (-3.05%) and a revenue of 17,902 million baht (-3.48%). Exhibitions reached 215,772 travelers (+20.02%) and a total revenue of 15,259 million baht (+5.63%).

Asia is Thailand's most important source market with 852,640 arrivals, followed by Europe with 41,357, Oceania with 35,571, and the Americas with 24,834 arrivals. Next are the Middle East with 7,655 and Africa with 5,771 arrivals.

For 2020, an increase in overseas MICE visitors to Thailand of 11% to 1,386,000 arrivals and a revenue increase of 5% to 105.6 billion Baht are expected.

About TCEB: The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) has been the official government agency of Thailand since 2004, supporting, promoting, and developing global and regional business events (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions – MICE) in Thailand. As a strategic partner and authorized contact, TCEB works with companies and organizations to develop successful solutions for realizing MICE events of all sizes and types.