TCEB to Showcase Chiang Rai as a New Ideal MICE Destination for China

Bangkok: 8 September, 2016 – Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) is to put Bangkok and Chiang Rai under the spotlight as excellent locations offering unique experiences for business events at IBTM CHINA 2016, China's leading Incentives, Business Travel and Meetings Expo, which takes place in Beijing on September 7-8, 2016.

“The IBTM China is a fantastic opportunity to ensure top-level buyers in China, Asia and the rest of the world recognise Thailand as a centre for global MICE events in Asia. At this year’s event, TCEB will underline the latest developments in Bangkok, which spearheads world-class products and services for the business events. For its part, Chiang Rai will be highlighted as a perfect new destination for the China market,” said TCEB’s President Mr. Nopparat Maythaveekulchai.

China is one of key MICE markets for Thailand and is continuing to grow. The bureau has therefore put in place a proactive strategy to enhance Thailand as a premier business events destination for Chinese business travellers.

In 2015 fiscal year (October 2014 - September 2015), TCEB has welcomed 1,095,995 business event travellers, revenue of 18,193 billion yuan (US$2,756 million) China was the biggest market for Thailand's MICE industry with a total of 109,987 business event travellers generating 1,745 million yuan (US$264) to Thailand, followed by India, Singapore, Malaysia, USA. In the first three quarters of 2016 fiscal year (October 2015 – June 2016), Thailand welcomed 750,742 international business events travellers, generating more than 11,498 billion yuan (US$1,745 billion) in revenue. China remained in top rank spot with more than 89,000 business event travellers.

Mr. Nopparat said that Bangkok and Chiang Rai are the perfect destinations for China as they offer unparalleled experiences for business events and meeting delegates. In strategic terms, Bangkok is one of the most attractive business destinations at the heart of the fast-growing ASEAN bloc, offering both a potential marketplace and peerless business opportunities throughout the region.

Chiang Rai is fast becoming a MICE destination. Situated in the Golden Triangle where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet, the region is an important gateway and logistics hub for Southern China and the Greater Mekong Sub-region. Chiang Rai offers a range of facilities that can serve the sophisticated needs of international business events travellers. As a former capital of the Lanna Kingdom, Chiang Rai has a rich heritage, blending charm, inspiring attractions, arts, superb culture and traditions to deliver the ultimate experience.

Chiang Rai also boasts a wide range of natural wonders and activities. TCEB has worked with partners to identify innovative experiences based on the kingdom’s distinctive characteristics, which include Fascinating History and Culture; Outdoor Adventures; Team Building; CSR and Green Meetings; Beach Bliss; Lavish Luxury and Culinary Journeys.

In addition to the new choice of location, the bureau is offering business visitors the Thailand CONNECT Welcome Package until December 2016. This global support campaign is specially designed to provide business events travellers.

The special privileges include a Thailand CONNECT edition BTS pass, a Bangkok MICE Map that covers key MICE venues and attractions in Bangkok, Thailand CONNECT USB drive card, seven-day free WiFi usage, and a Thailand CONNECT Welcome Package card listing discounts on products and services in Bangkok’s Ratchaprasong areas.

The Thailand CONNECT Welcome Package and the introduction of Chiang Rai as an emerging business events destination complement TCEB’s overarching 2016 ‘Thailand CONNECT…Our Heart, Your World’ strategy, which highlights the country’s role not only as a unique destination at the heart of ASEAN and an unparalleled business hub at the heart of both the emerging Asian region and the global marketplace, but also a thriving hub, where passionate people offer seamless service from the heart and with an unforgettable smile.

Mr. Nopparat noted that TCEB has arranged exciting activities to take place during the IBTM China 2016 to attract potential clients from the Chinese MICE market. The Thailand Pavilion at the IBTM China 2016 will be located at Booth No. E020 and will showcase the art of soap carving (throughout the two-day event) and Thai Boxing (4 rounds contested each day).

He added that the 2016 fiscal year will see Thailand’s thriving business events industry play host to some of the world’s most prominent events. Already this year the kingdom has hosted the Infinitus Overseas Training 2016 – a mega-sized event from China with 14,000 participants visiting Bangkok and Pattaya. This year the event took place from 11-29 May, 2016. TCEB was hoping to continue to successfully attract major meetings and incentives trips to Thailand such as Pro-Health, in September 2016 with 5,500 delegates.

Looking ahead, TCEB forecasts that the marketing initiatives to attract Chinese business events travellers will enable it to achieve this year’s target of 1,060,000 high quality business events travellers. This will help to generate 17,458 billion yuan (US$2,645 million) MICE revenue for the Thai economy.

#####

For more information please contact:

Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (Public Organisation)

Ms Arisara Thanuplang    Tel +66 2 694 6095    Email: arisara_t@tceb.or.th

Ms Titiwanlaya Thaimongkolrat Tel +66 2 694 6103    Email: titiwanlaya_t@tceb.or.th

Ms Kanokwan Kadeedang    Tel +66 2 694 6006    Email: kanokwan_k@tceb.or.th

Ms Kwanchanok Otton    Tel +66 2 694 6096    Email: kwanchanok_o@tceb.or.th

Ms Paniyada Mulalin    Tel +66 2 694 6091    Email: paniyada_m@tceb.or.th