Top Australian MICE Professionals' Successful Familiarization Trip to Bangkok & Chiang Mai

The Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), in cooperation with Thai Airways International, Destinations Asia, Shangri-La Hotel Chiangmai and Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen's Park Hotel, has organized a highly successful familiarization trip to Thailand for a small group of top Australian PCOs (Professional Conference Organizers) and corporate incentive travel agents

The trip was organized following the well-attended Thailand CONNECT cocktail reception. held in Sydney earlier this year. The five-days visit took place during May 19-23, 2017 focusing mainly on Chiang Mai and Bangkok as destination venues for Australian corporate customers. Special emphasis was given to Chiang Mai’s many boutique hotels, alternative venues for business events. Site visits were arranged at Anantara Chiang Mai Resort, Na Nirand Romantic Boutique Resort, Rachamankha Hotel, and Four Seasons Chiang Mai.

A wide variety of interesting diversions and attractions has always been an important factor for consideration of a MICE destination. Fam trip participants had the opportunity to visit the rich cultural and natural offerings in Chiangmai. These included the recently- opened MAIIAM Contemporary Art Museum and the picturesque riverside setting Elephant Life Experience Camp. They also enjoyed a tour of the old city of Chiang Mai, once the center of the northern Lanna kingdom with many beautiful and unique temples, some dating as far back as the 13th century. 

The group then returned to the capital for an intensive half-day table-top session at the newly opened Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park. This has given them the opportunity for the face-to-face discussions with 16 Thai MICE operators, members of the Thailand Incentive and Convention Association (TICA), and representing hotels, restaurants and conference facilities in Bangkok, Pattaya and Phuket.

Once having explored the grace and charm of the country’s two popular destinations and having met with the local MICE operators. Collectively, the group expressed positive outlook and confidence on Thailand’s infrastructure and facilities, services and hospitality. They found Thailand is indeed a vibrant destination for the Meetings & Incentive industry, with MICE experts always on hand to assist with every need to organize world class events.