TCEB DRIVES STATUS OF CHIANG MAI AS UPPER NORTHERN MICE HUB WITH PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP

Enhancing the 2nd Thailand Domestic MICE Mart 2015 in Chiang Mai with a refreshed Meeting in Thailand Campaign

Chiang Mai, 26 March 2015 - The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (Public Organization) or TCEB Is accelerating Chiang Mai’s leadership position as a premiere MICE destination in the region, through public-private partnerships with four leading-edge organisations in an MOU to develop an integrated MICE Intelligence Centre in northern Thailand.

Mr Nopparat Maythaveekulchai, President of the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (Public Organization) or TCEB revealed that, “Highlighting the government policy to stimulate domestic meetings and seminars, as well as public-private partnerships, this year, TCEB will focus on four major strategies to develop the Chiang Mai MICE industry. These include (1) introduction of the Meeting in Thailand campaign to generate more MICE activities in Chiang Mai and enhance the network of high potential cities in the north to accommodate MICE activities; (2) Tapping into the Special Economic Zones (SEZ), and neighbouring CLMV countries such as Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam using Chiang Mai as a centre in the north of Thailand for the forthcoming ASEAN Economic Community (AEC); (3) Promotion of experiential incentives activities at Royal Initiatives Projects and Royal Thai Military Tourist Destinations such as The Royal Projects at Doi Angkhang, and Doi Inthanon ; and (4) Upgrade local exhibitions to become regional domestic exhibitions, such as the Lanna Expo 2015, with more than 50,000 visitors.”

In addition, TCEB is driving Chiang Mai’s leadership position as a mega event destination, by bidding for and supporting more major events such as the Thailand International Balloon Festival. Moreover, TCEB is developing an integrated MICE Intelligence Centre by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Pinkanakorn Development Agency (Public Organization), the Tourism Council of Chiang Mai, the Thai Hotels Association (North of Thailand), and the Faculty of Economics, Chiang Mai University. Underpinning Chiang Mai’s MICE strategies, TCEB is also revving up the region’s MICE capabilities, industry standards, and services to prepare the MICE City of the North for the AEC.

Chiang Mai Governor Mr Suriya Prasatbuntitya said that, “During the 2015 fiscal year, Chiang Mai has allocated a total budget of Bt5,253,200 for the Chiang Mai MICE City project as part of a provincial development plan. To drive this sector and engage all stakeholders, last year we announced the Chiang Mai MICE Industry Promotion Committee, with the governor as president.

“This year, we have identified initiatives including Chiang Mai’s strategic direction towards the Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS) and BIMSTEC as well as Chiang Mai Sister Cities. The regional cooperative frameworks will complement Chiang Mai’s position as a premiere destination for major MICE events. In the next few years, Chiang Mai will focus on penetrating neighbouring countries, and the ASEAN region.

“Chiang Mai Province will play a key role in supporting the MICE sector in three key ways, including (1) regarding MICE City as a high priority policy and key strategy for provincial development, in line with the government, (2) mobilising policy and coordinating with relevant stakeholders to drive Chiang Mai MICE City’s leadership position, (3) redefining clear mutual targets and stakeholder commitments, especially among management level executives and policymakers.”

“TCEB has continuously strengthened Thailand’s MICE Industry Roadmap together with the development of stronger MICE Cities. Undoubtedly, Chiang Mai is equipped to drive its MICE sector to the next level. In 2014, TCEB supported major MICE events in Chiang Mai such as the first Domestic MICE Mart, Chiang Mai Design Week, TEDX Chiang Mai 2014, and the 8th Thailand International Balloon Festival. During the first quarter of 2015, from October - December 2014, Chiang Mai registered 455 MICE events, with 340,344 domestic MICE travellers, generating revenue of Bt1,337 million. TCEB forecasts this year’s full year goal for the domestic MICE industry at 15.23 million domestic MICE travellers, earning the Thai economy a total of Bt33,069 million,” concluded Mr Nopparat.

For further information, please contact:

Corporate Communications Division, Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau

Ms Arisara Thanuplang    Tel: +662 694 6095    Email: arisara_t@tceb.or.th

Mr Pishnu Plaikaew Tel: +662 694 6000    Email: pishnu_p@tceb.or.th

Ms Kanokwan Kadeedaeng    Tel: + 662 694 6006    Email: kanokwan_k@tceb.or.th

Ms Kwanchanok Otton Tel: + 662 694 6096 Email: kwanchanok_o@tceb.or.th