TAT executive director for advertising and public relations Denduen Luengcheng outlined five “must do” experiences for tourists: taste, try, buy, seek and see.
They include dining in Michelin-starred restaurants, trying muay thai (boxing) or relaxing spa and wellness treatments, shopping at new malls such as One Bangkok, Phenix and EmSphere, discovering “hidden gem” destinations in eastern and northeastern Thailand and enjoying the many entertainment events planned.
The year-long calendar of festivals – including cultural and culinary themes, world-class sports competitions and music events can be promoted to international conference and exhibition participants and enhance meeting and incentive itineraries.
Luencheng suggested low-season travel to avoid overtourism and emerging destinations beyond the big cities. TAT is collaborating with Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau to support the latter’s 10 MICE Cities, especially through product development.
She added that the five “must do” elements can be incorporated into programs in the destination selected. For example, Khon Kaen, the first MICE City in northeastern Thailand, has a rich cultural heritage, national parks and high-quality silk production.
Venues such as Khonkaen International Convention & Exhibition Center and hotels like Pullman and Avani meet international requirements. Avani Khon Kaen has more than 4,000 m2 of function space.
In presenting Vietnam’s strategy at ATF, Viet Nam National Authority of Tourism acknowledged that the main tourism products are beaches, nature and culture. But MICE is gaining traction, although it is a secondary target.
The annual Vietnam International Travel Mart in Hanoi in April and long-running International Travel Expo Ho Chi Minh City in September have put the country on the international stage.
The focus of Visit Vietnam Year 2025 settles on Hue in central Vietnam this year. The theme is “Ancient capital, new horizons”, emphasising its rich cultural heritage and historical sites. Easily accessed from Danang, Hue is best known for its citadel, pagoda, temples and tombs.
