Thailand aims to be more than just a business events destination, and is striving to offer authentic experiences by harnessing its cultural heritage, while embracing innovation and sustainability to create high-value experiences for visitors.
During a press conference at IMEX Frankfurt on May 14, TCEB’s president, Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, shared that Thailand has welcomed 636,694 business events travellers who have spent 36.7 million baht (US$1 million) as of the six-month mark; Thailand’s fiscal year is from October 2023 to September 2024.
He mentioned that TCEB will focus on attracting more business events in key emerging industries, as millennials, the upcoming generation of business event attendees, are showing significant interest in these sectors. These industries include food security, health tech innovation or medical tourism, urban quality of life and mobility, as well as creative soft power.
Chiruit added that TCEB is also exploring how to organise more “non-conventional events”. For instance, the recent Money20/20 Asia event held from April 23-25, 2024, in Bangkok, was a blend of conference, exhibition, and festival.
In addition, sustainability continues to be paramount in TCEB’s agenda. As of the same fiscal year, TCEB has actively supported over 90 events in carbon emission avoidance, reducing over 240,000kg of carbon dioxide, equivalent to planting some 14,000 trees.
TCEB also created the Bangkok Protocol, a sustainable gastronomy framework, as a legacy of the ICCA Congress 2023. The framework examines various aspects of food production and consumption, including the sourcing of ingredients, cultivation methods, journey from farm to table, cultural significance and authenticity, and strategies for managing food waste.
Said Chiruit: “We are thrilled to learn that sustainable food sourcing and food-waste management at the ICCA Congress 2023 in Bangkok will be used as a model at the next ICCA Congresses, starting this year.”
Supanich Thiansing, TCEB’s director of meetings and incentives department, also highlighted several new infrastructure investments that would benefit event groups.
This includes the introduction of new rail links connecting key destinations like the airport and IMPACT exhibition and convention venue in Muang Thong Thani, as well as the addition of over 50 new hotels nationwide. Additionally, the inauguration of SAT-1 terminal at Suvarnabhumi Airport, has significantly increased the airport’s capacity from 45 to 60 million passengers annually.
Moreover, Bangkok’s EM District also welcomed the opening of UOB LIVE in February 2024. This venue is capable of hosting up to 6,000 attendees for various events, including concerts, conventions, and exhibitions.
To showcase these new products, network with Thai suppliers, and explore Thailand’s potential for business events, Supanich extended an invitation to participate in the upcoming Thailand Innovative Meetings Exchange, scheduled to be held in both Bangkok and Chiang Mai from June 17-22, 2024.
