Chiang Mai (Thailand) – May 4, 2016 (travelindex) – As the city of Chiang Mai develops into one of the most important MICE centers in Asia, our editor recently spoke with Dr. Sarawut Srisakuna, Ph.D., the acting Director General of the Pinkanakorn Development Agency and Director General of the Chiang Mai Night Safari.

Q: What vision and concept underpinned the development of the Chiang Mai International Convention and Exhibition Centre?

A. Chiang Mai is the largest city in Northern Thailand. Thanks to its efficient and well-connected infrastructure, it offers excellent accessibility for MICE travelers. Its international airport ranks third in the country. High-quality facilities and services, including hotels and other accommodations, are readily available. Chiang Mai offers interesting and varied pre- and post-tour activities and is suitable for all types of MICE events. This outstanding MICE infrastructure, combined with the unique charm of the Lanna culture amidst a verdant mountain landscape, makes Chiang Mai the MICE hub of the North, meeting all the requirements of the MICE industry for meetings and seminars, incentive trips, and trade fairs.

Until recently, Chiang Mai lacked a convention and exhibition center with sufficient capacity. The International Chiang Mai Convention and Exhibition Centre (CMECC) was built in 2010 with government funding and completed in 2014. The center was constructed according to a sustainability concept to benefit the local economy and population. They directly profit from the hotels, restaurants, souvenir shops, cafes, temple, and nightlife. It is particularly noteworthy that MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) visitors spend, on average, six times more than leisure travelers. The CMECC aims to attract major events from the region and especially from the ASEAN Economic Community.

Q: What benefits and impacts will this have on the local economy?

A. As you may know, tourism in general, and business travel in particular, brings numerous benefits to cities, regions, and countries in the form of higher incomes, increased employment, and higher government revenues. MICE travelers spend more money than leisure tourists. A world-class convention and exhibition center will therefore attract more MICE events, and MICE travelers will spend more on high-quality tours, accommodations, and entertainment, bringing additional economic benefits to Chiang Mai and the north.

Q: What was the total investment for the construction of the CMECC?

A. The total construction costs amounted to approximately three billion Thai baht, and the decoration costs to two hundred million Thai baht.

Q: What are the main facilities and features offered by the CMECC?

A. The Chiang Mai International Convention and Exhibition Center offers three interconnected exhibition halls with a total of 476 booths. The convention hall can accommodate 1,700 people, and there are 29 different meeting rooms available for 50 to 700 people. Parking for over 3,000 vehicles is provided.

The CMECC is a world-class conference center and the first of its kind in Northern Thailand. We expect it to play a significant role in the development of the province's MICE industry.

Thanks to excellent contacts and close cooperation with the private sector and the government in Chiang Mai, the CMECC is establishing a central service center to facilitate MICE planning for all stakeholders and organizers. The service center supports all inquiries and activities in the MICE sector and also assists with any issues related to professional services.

CMECC offers competitive and flexible pricing.

The CMECC was awarded the title of “MICE Venue 2015” in the field of history and culture, as it showcases the magnificent architecture and culture of the Lanna region.

Q: What is your view on the future development of the CMECC?

The CMECC will develop into the central hub for the MICE industry in Asia, hosting numerous international and global events, similar to Germany, the leading MICE location in Europe. In the near future, the Chiang Mai International Convention and Exhibition Centre will not only support MICE industry players in the northern province but also stimulate economic growth and contribute to income distribution in Thailand.

About the Chiang Mai International Convention and Exhibition Centre: The Chiang Mai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, built to commemorate His Majesty's 7th Birthday, is one of the largest convention and exhibition centres in Southeast Asia, with a total area of ​​521,600 square metres. Designed in the Thai Lanna style, it is ideally equipped for national and international congresses, exhibitions and trade fairs. With 60,000 square metres of usable space, modern facilities and professional service, it offers ideal conditions for hosting world-class international MICE events.

The International Convention and Exhibition Centre for His Majesty's 7th Birthday comprises two main buildings: the SME Building and the Main Exhibition and Convention Hall. The two-story Main Hall houses three main areas: exhibition halls, convention halls, and meeting rooms. The exhibition hall includes three interconnected multi-purpose halls with a total area of ​​7,935 m². The Ratchaphruek Convention Hall offers 3,400 m² of space and can accommodate 3,000 people. It is equipped with state-of-the-art sound and lighting technology. The Main Hall features 29 meeting rooms with seating for 100 to 700 people. Other facilities include a restaurant with a food court, VIP lounges, a prayer room, high-speed Wi-Fi, and integrated registration desks. Over 3,000 parking spaces are available in the surrounding area and can also be used for other purposes.

The building for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) serves to promote the Thai entrepreneurship stimulation program OTOP. It offers a usable area of ​​11,988 m², comprising a temporary exhibition hall, a product presentation hall, and ancillary spaces such as meeting rooms and seminar rooms.

The 7,443 m² multifunctional outdoor area is designed to meet the needs of all types of outdoor events and activities.

Contact information for your MICE and business events: International Chiang Mai Convention and Exhibition Centre, Pinkanakorn Development Agency, 456 Moo 1, Tambon Changpuak Muang, Chiang Mai 50300, Thailand, Tel.: +66 5301 0572, +66 5301 0573, Fax: +66 5301 0571, E-Mail: [email protected], Web: www.pinkanakorn.or.th