Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) led its first destination roadshow to Jakarta in eight years, showcasing the transformation of several Thai cities and their readiness for business events.
The roadshow last week featured 25 exhibitors from four of five official MICE cities in Thailand: Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai and Pattaya. Khon Kaen, the fifth city, was absent from the event.
Puripan Bunnag, senior vice president, TCEB, expressed excitement in the showcase. He noted that cities across Thailand had been developing and transforming over the past eight years, resulting in a range of “meeting facilities, attraction sites, cultural creativity, and transport infrastructure”.
“These changes have earned Thai destinations a high global ranking as well as international awards and recognitions for their capacity to enrich travellers’ experience,” said Puripan.
He said Indonesian agents have told him that demand for Thailand “remained high”, but seat capacity post-pandemic was a stumbling block.
“Accessibility is getting better now. We have Thai Airways, Garuda Indonesia, Thai Lion, Batik Air, Malaysia Airlines, Singapore Airlines, and AirAsia (flying between Indonesia and Thailand),” he shared.
Indonesian agents attending the roadshow gained new product information from a presentation led by Thanabodee Hemasuchi, regional manager-ASEAN Market, TCEB. Highlights included The Opulence Cruise, a three-tiered ship with capacity for 770 guests that sails the Chao Phraya River; Beat Active, a 500-seat sports and entertainment venue in Bangkok that welcomes corporate events; Rajadamnern Thai Boxing Stadium, one of the oldest boxing stadium in Thailand that can be privately hired; and Yona Beach Club in Phuket, a floating venue.
TCEB took the opportunity to introduce its MI Plus support scheme, which includes MICE Lane Fast Track at Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket airports, souvenirs, and cultural performances for delegates.
The two-day event attracted more than 100 agency buyers and 20 corporate buyers.
Looking ahead, Puripan has high hopes of attracting more Indonesian business events and corporate groups, with additional flight access, new products and packages, and supportive promotions driving demand. He expects arrivals from Indonesia to rise by 10 per cent in 2024 over 2023.
Furthermore, Indonesian groups will have more business event-friendly destinations to choose from. Besides the five official MICE cities, TCEB is highlighting the event readiness of five more – Phitssanulok, Udon Thani, Nakhon Ratchasima, Surat Thani, and Songkhla.
Indonesia contributes 40,000 to 50,000 business events arrivals to Thailand annually, with most coming from insurance, banking and automotive companies. TCEB hopes to expand that catchment, with an eye on electrical, IT, pharmaceutical, and wellness companies.
