- Thai MICE industry stands on firm foundation as more meetings head for Thailand during second half of the year.

BANGKOK, May 25, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- With more than 300 meetings and trade shows to be organized in Thailand during the second half of this year, the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau or TCEB is confident that the Thai MICE industry stands on a firm foundation and is developing plans to create a more sustainable growth.

Early this month, the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) puts Thailand on the 24^th world's association meeting destination, up from the 27^th of last year. In addition, the rank of Bangkok also jumped from the 16^th to 12^th in the same survey by ICCA.

Mr. Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, Acting President of TCEB said the improved ranking reflects the high preference related to Thai competitiveness and professionalism in the world's MICE industry thus bringing in increasing number of such events to Thailand.

An initial survey indicates that during the period from June to December this year, about 360 events are being organized in Thailand, about 75% of them are international scale conferences and trade exhibitions.

"Thailand popularity is on the rise. We see some exceptional large events coming to Thailand such as Thaifex-World of Food Asia that is expected to draw 70,000 audiences to the show in early June. And last month, Thailand was the host of Intermatch at 31,000 audiences and Infinitus at 8,000 audiences," Mr. Chiruit said.

In 2015, the Thai MICE industry generated the total direct revenue of 150 billion baht, responsible for 164,000 jobs with a GDP contribution of 0.77%.

Unlike the free port destination such as Singapore and Hong Kong, Mr. Chiruit said Thailand rising popularity is a result of collaboration among private and government parties involved such as the immigration bureau, the department of customs, the Food and Drug Administration and Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, that helps raise Thailand competitiveness.

Off the 360 events planned for the second half of this year, over 60% will take place in Bangkok and the rest will be in Pattaya, Phuket and Chiang Mai.

More venues are being built in major provinces such as Khon Kaen and Nakhon Ratchasima. This provides opportunities for organizer and delegate new facilities as well as cultural charms.

Acting President of TCEB said TCEB would strengthen the collaboration and enhance the competitiveness of other major cities to meet international standard.

"A development program will be introduced for cities and provinces like Pattaya, Chiang Mai and Khon Kaen. We hope to provide more venues and more locations. It creates a win-win situation for the organizer, who will get new experience and new service, while the cities get wider exposure pluses increasing income for the local people," Mr. Chiruit.

About TCEB

Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) - the government leading edge agency - has been the key to success for a wide range of global & regional business events since 2004. With our key strategic model, Growth Driver; TCEB works as your strategic business partner, delivers creative ideas, and provides solutions from our capable resources for every scale and various customised business events.

TCEB has formed numerous collaborations and networks linked to open up grand new chapters of business opportunities, and to strategically enhance every business success with special care that will spur lasting advancement and achievements. Our goal is to equipping business events industry at national, regional, and global stage for continuous development, long-term growth and sustainable success.

For further information, please contact: Corporate Communications Division

Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (Public Organization)  
Ms Arisara Thanuplang           Tel: +662 694 6095                 Email: arisara_t@tceb.or.th
Mr Karun Wararatchai             Tel: +662 694 6179                 Email: karun_w@tceb.or.th
Ms Paniyada Mulalin               Tel: +662 694 6091                 Email: paniyada_m@tceb.or.th

SOURCE Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB)