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Thailand seeks to enhance the value of business events

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Thailand seeks to enhance the value of business events
At Incentive Travel & Conventions, Meetings Asia (IT&CMA) in Bangkok in September, led by Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), more than 60 exhibitors from seven Thai destinations presented ideas and solutions to increase event organisers’ return on investment and participants’ return on experience.

TCEB shared with micenet key features of the meeting and incentive and convention support schemes for event organisers and planners.

Sustainable meeting and incentive events can receive enhanced support under “sustainability at heart”.

“M&I events must adhere to at least seven of the 25 sustainable event practices outlined by TCEB, such as food waste management and plastic usage reduction,” said Supanich Thiansing, director of the meetings and incentives department at TCEB.

TCEB also provides “in-kind support” facilitation and access to government networks. This includes a MICE-lane immigration fast-track service at Bangkok’s international airports and government network facilitation if needed, such as with visas and customs.

Other perks include souvenirs made by local communities, Thai cultural performances and shopping mall vouchers.

“Mega groups” of more than 3,000 international delegates attending corporate or organisation meetings and incentive travel may qualify for tailored assistance “to encourage the hosting of more corporate-driven events in Thailand, including special incentives for large gatherings” said Thiansing.

“Experience by yourself” helps corporate event organisers or event planners with site inspections. Intermediaries may apply on their behalf for trips within Thailand, including Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Hua Hin, Samui, Khao Lak and Pattaya which exhibited at IT&CMA, or other Thai destinations.

TCEB’s conventions department is also actively promoting the “Convene Plus” scheme.

“We aim to serve ever-changing demands and formats of global conventions while implementing a dynamic portfolio of service and support and simplified criteria with redefined, legacy-inspiring value propositions,” said Nooch Homrossukhon, director of the conventions department at TCEB.

To be eligible, international conventions must be on-site with a program covering a minimum of two full days in Thailand with a minimum of 50 international delegates flying in.

One of the latest policies is “Ignite Thailand” which envisions Thailand as a hub for eight focused industries by 2030: tourism, wellness and medical, agriculture and food, aviation, logistics, future mobility, digital economy and finance.

International conferences in food security, creative soft power, health-tech innovation, urban quality of life and mobility, advanced manufacturing and decarbonisation of energy fit TCEB’s alignment with the national strategy.

“The amount of financial support will be determined according to the number of international delegates and on a case-by-case basis,” said Homrossukhon.

In-kind assistance comprises bid strategy consultancy, material production, recommendations on local suppliers, liaising with related government agencies, visa application facilitation, VIP service at the airport, event promotion on TCEB’s website and platforms and exclusive privileges for business travellers.